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G-iven  by: 

Dorothy  G.  Wayma n 
14  Chestnut  Place 
Jamaica  Plain  30,  Mass, 

The  Freemason* s  Manual 
came  to  me  in  the  estate 
of  my  father  Charles  W. 
Godfrey  (1869-1942)  who 
was  a  member  of  Aurora 
Lodge  A.F.&A.M#  Thomas 
Royal  Arch  Chapter  — 
Grand  Lodge  of  Massachu¬ 
setts,  Jerusalem  Com¬ 
mander  y,  Knights  Templar, 


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22J1S  ©SHE'S  iXBi®* 


THE 


FREEMASON’S  MANUAL; 

A 

COMPANION  FOR  THE  INITIATED 


THROUGH  ALL  THE 

DEGREES  OF  FREEMASONRY 


FROM  THE 

ENTERED  APPRENTICE  TO  THE  HIGHER 
DEGREES  OF  KNIGHTHOOD ; 

EMBRACING 

ENTERED  APPRENTICE,  FELLOW  CRAFT,  MASTER  MASON,  MARK 
MASTER,  PAST  MASTER,  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER,  ROYAL 
ARCH,  SELECT  MASTER,  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD,  KNIGHTS 
OF  THE  RED  CROSS,  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS, 

KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA,  THE  ANCIENT 
CONSTITUTIONS  OF  THE 
ORDER,  ETC. 

35nrbjeIItsf)£ir  fcutf)  upfoarfrs  of  ©no  ^unijnfr  Bujjrafunjjs, 

ILLUSTRATING  THE 

EMBLEMS  AND  SYMBOLS  OF  THE  ORDER. 

BY  REV.  K.  J.  STEWART,  K.  T. 


“To  understand  the  words  of  the  wise  and  their  dark  sayings.” — Prov.  i.  6. 


NEW  EDITION,  REVISED. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED  BY  E.  H.  BUTLER  &  CO. 

ANNO  TEMPLI,  MMDCCCLIV. ;  R.A.  PERIOD,  MMCCCXIX.  ; 

a.  l.  5800;  a.  d.  1800. 


/ 


The  undersigned,  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
State  of  Delaware,  has  examined  the  Freemason’s  Manual,  by 
Brother  K.  J.  Stewart,  and  approves  and  recommends  the 
same  to  the  Lodges  working  under  this  jurisdiction. 


(Signed)  William  T.  Bead, 

Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Delaware. 

Newcastle,  Delaware , 

March  27,  1851.  A.  L.  5851. 


V 

Entered  according  to  tlie  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlic  year  1S51, 
By  Ivensey  Johns  Stewart, 


In  the  Clerk’s  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Eastern  District  of 

Pennsylvania. 


213283 


PREFACE. 


In  the  following  volume,  the  young  Craftsman  is  pre¬ 
sented  with  a  complete  system  of  instruction  in  all  the 
lectures  on  the  several  degrees  of  Ancient  Craft  Ma¬ 
sonry  and  Knighthood.  These  lectures  have  been  care¬ 
fully  conferred  with  the  best  models  among  the  old 
masters,  and  are  now  submitted  to  the  Fraternity,  with 
the  hope  that  they  may  he  instrumental  in  promoting 
among  those  who  are  admitted  to  the  privileges  of  the 
Order,  the  knowledge  and  practice  of  its  principles, 
thereby  advancing  the  best  interests  of  our  civil  institu¬ 
tions,  by  the  exemplification  of  moral  and  social  virtues, 
as  well  as  by  cherishing  a  taste  for  the  liberal  sciences 
and  the  useful  arts.  Religion  and  politics  are  not 
within  the  legitimate  province  of  the  Institution  of 
which  this  volume  treats ;  for  although  Masonry  es¬ 
chews  atheism  and  insubordination,  and  teaches  its 

youthful  Craftsman  to  reverence  the  Deity  and  obey 

(iii) 


the  powers  that  be,  yet  it  is  a  principle  of  its  organiza¬ 
tion  to  conform  itself  to  the  religious  and  political 
institutions  of  the  different  nations  in  which  it  exists. 
But  although  it  is  not  a  religious  organization,  yet  its 
most  noble  and  beautiful  lessons  are  drawn  from  the 
Sacred  Writings;  and  it  cherishes  those  writings  among 
the  most  precious  treasures  of  its  ancient  archives. 

In  preparing  these  pages  for  the  press,  the  author 
has  consulted  the  following  works :  Ahiman  Rezon,  by 
Lawrence  Dermot;  Digest  of  Lectures,  &c.,  by  Rev. 
William  Smith,  D.  D.,  A.  D.  1783;  Sermon  preached 
by  Rev.  William  Smith,  D.  D.,  in  Christ  Church,  at  a 
General  Communication,  Philadelphia,  1778 ;  Captivity 
of  the  Jews,  London ;  The  Knights  Templars,  by  C.  G. 
Addison,  Esq.,  of  the  Inner  Temple,  London,  1842 ; 
Ancient  Craft  Masonry,  by  Scott,  Philadelphia ;  Pres¬ 
ton's  Illustrations  of  Masonry,  London ;  Webb’s  Free 
Mason’s  Monitor,  Salem ;  Cross’s  Masonic  Chart,  New 
Haven ;  Cross’s  Templar’s  Chart,  New  Haven ;  The 
Craftsman,  by  Cornelius  Moore,  K.  T.,  Cincinnati; 
Masonic  Text  Book,  by  John  Dove,  Richmond,  Ya. ; 
Moore’s  Templar’s  Text  Book,  Cincinnati ;  Davis’s 
Free  Mason’s  Monitor,  Philadelphia;  Moore’s  Masonic 
Review,  Yol.  I.  to  Y.,  Cincinnati;  Townsend’s  (Rev. 
George,  M.  A.)  History  and  Chronology  of  the  Bible ; 
Edinburgh  Encyclopedia ;  London  Encyclopedia ;  The 
Works  of  Flavius  Josephus. 


\ 


CONTENTS. 


PREFACE, .  3 

SUBJECT  INTRODUCED, .  11 

ORIGIN  OF  ORGANIZED  MASONRY, .  12 

ORIGIN  OF  FREEMASONRY,  .  18 

TEMPLARS  INCORPORATED  WITH  FREEMASONS, .  14 

DIRECTIONS  TO  CANDIDATES,  . .  16 

c  -  *'  -•«  • 

PART  I. 

FIRST  NINE  DEGREES  IN  MASONRY. 

ENTERED  APPRENTICE,  : .  17 

FELLOW  CRAFT, .  33 

MASTER  MASON, . 51 

MARK  MASTER, .  65 

PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER, . 73 

MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER, . 113 

ROYAL  ARCH,  .  121 

1*  (v) 


VI 


CONTENTS 


ROYAL  MASTER,  . 143 

SELECT  MASTER,  .  147 

HIGH  PRIESTHOOD,  .  155 

CONSTITUTION  OP  GRAND  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER,  ....  187 

PART  II. 

THE  THREE  DEGREES  OF  KNIGHTHOOD. 

KNIGHTS  OP  THE  RED  CROSS,  .  203 

KNIGHTS  OP  THE  TEMPLE,  . 219 

KNIGHTS  OP  MALTA, .  231 

CONSTITUTION  OP  GENERAL  GRAND  ENCAMPMENT, ....  255 

,  .  _  .  ,  I 

PART  III. 

PRAYERS  AND  SONGS. 

PRAYERS  AT  OPENING  AND  CLOSING  A  LODGE,  .  265 

PRAYERS  USED  BY  CHRISTIAN  MASONS,  .  266 

songs,  .  273 

PART  IV. 

FORMS. 

I  FORM  OP  AN  APPLICATION  POR  INITIATION,  .  .  291 

II.  APPLICANT  POR  MEMBERSHIP,  .  292 


CONTENTS.  vii 

III.  REPORT  ON  APPLICATION, .  292 

IV.  APPLICANT  FOR  DISPENSATION  TO  AVOID  DE¬ 

LAY,  .  293 

V.  LETTERS  DISPENSATORY, .  294 

VI.  APPLICANT  FOR  SECOND  DEGREE, .  294 

VII.  APPLICANT  FOR  THIRD  DEGREE,  .  295 

VIII.  APPLICANT  FOR  DISPENSATION  TO  PASS  THE 

CHAIR, .  295 

IX.  LETTERS  DISPENSATORY  TO  PASS  TO  THE 

CHAIR,  .  296 

X.  COMMISSION  TO  TRAVEL  AND  FRATERNIZE, .  .  296 

XI.  LETTERS  OF  VIRTUE  TO  VISIT  LODGES,  _  298 

XII.  OVERTURE  FOR  A  CERTIFICATE  FROM  THE 

GRAND  MASTER,  .  299 

XIII.  GRAND  MASTER’S  CERTIFICATE,  .  299 

XIV.  THE  TRAVELLER  ACCREDITED, .  300 

XV.  OVERTURE  FOR  A  WARRANT,  .  300 

XVI.  WARRANT  FOR  A  NEW  LODGE,  .  301 

XVII.  FORM  OF  A  CERTIFICATE  FOR  A  REPRESENTA¬ 
TIVE,  .  302 

XVIII.  FORM  OF  RETURNS  TO  THE  GRAND  LODGE,  .  .  303 

XIX.  “  “  “  “  “  . .  304 

XX.  FORM  OF  A  DISPENSATION  TO  CONSTITUTE  A 

NEW  LODGE,  AND  RETURN  THERETO,  ....  305 


Vlll 


CONTENTS 


XXI.  DEPUTATION  TO  A  PAST  MASTER  TO  ISSUE  DIS¬ 
PENSATIONS  TO  ENTER,  PASS,  AND  RAISE, 

AND  TO  PASS  THE  CHAIR, .  306 

XXII.  DISPENSATION  TO  A  LODGE  TO  CONTINUE  ITS 
LABOURS,  AFTER  THE  DESTRUCTION  OR  LOSS 
OF  ITS  WARRANT, .  307 

XXIII.  FORM  OF  A  REGISTER  OF  MEMBERS  AND  OFFI¬ 
CERS  RECOMMENDED  TO  BE  KEPT  BY  EVERY 

LODGE,  .  309 

XXIV.  FORM  OF  SPECIAL  ELECTION  RETURN, .  311 

XXV.  APPLICATION  FOR  ADVANCEMENT, .  312 

XXYI.  APPLICANT  FOR  SIXTH  DEGREE, . .  312 

XXVII.  APPLICANT  FOR  EXALTATION,  .  313 

XXVIII.  GRAND  COMMISSION  TO  A  M.  E.  HIGH  PRIEST 
TO  PRESIDE  OVER  HIS  CHAPTER,  AND  SIT 

IN  COUNCIL,  .  814 

XXIX.  ORDER  FOR  THE  ASSEMBLING  OF  AN  EN¬ 
CAMPMENT  OF  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE,  315 
QUESTIONS  ADDRESSED  TO  CANDIDATES  BEFORE  INI¬ 
TIATION,  .  316 

PART  V. 

ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS, . S17 


TO  THE 


ANCIENT  AND  HONORABLE  FRATERNITY 
OF  FREE  AND  ACCEPTED  MASONS 
THROUGHOUT  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

®ljis  ffnlinti 

IS  RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED, 
WITH  FRATERNAL  REGARD, 


BY  THE  AUTHOR 


charity. 


THE  FREEMASON’S  MANUAL. 


THE  OBJECT  OF  FREEMASONRY. 

Freemasonry,  although  founded  upon  the  sublime 
truths  recorded  in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  deriving 
its  origin  from  circumstances  therein  detailed,  is  not  a 
religious  institution ;  its  object  being  to  promote  and 
cherish  the  personal  and  social  virtues  of  its  members, 
rather  than  to  maintain  and  defend  the  word  of  God  and 
the  peace  of  his  Church. 

If,  however,  we  may  believe  its  traditionary  cabala,  it 
has  been  the  means  of  preserving  the  sacred  records  from 
utter  destruction ;  and  should  some  unexpected  calamity 
occur  in  the  future  to  destroy  the  sacred  writings,  there 
is  enough  taught,  amid  the  sublime  traditions  of  this 
ancient  fraternity,  to  avail  in  leading  the  sinner  back, 
not  only  to  the  knowledge  of  his  duty,  but  also  to  faith 
in  his  Saviour,  and  hope  in  the  glorious  resurrection  of 
the  body,  and  the  blissful  immortality  of  the  soul.  The 
clearness  with  which  the  sacred  truths  of  Scripture  are 
set  forth  and  illustrated,  has  made  this  institution  ex¬ 
ceedingly  obnoxious  to  the  Church  of  Rome ;  and  the 
application  of  the  level  to  all  ranks  of  society  has  made 
it  no  less  so  to  the  Political  Despots  of  Europe. 

(11) 


12  ORIGIN  OF  ORGANIZED  MASONRY. 

These  circumstances,  together  with  the  suspicion  with 
which  secret  associations  have  ever  been  regarded,  and 
the  unadvised  conduct  of  some  of  its  own  members,  have 
combined  to  render  it  the  object  of  much  calumny  and 
persecution. 

As  from  the  inherent  nature  of  such  associations  se¬ 
crecy  is  indispensable  to  their  existence,  (and  is  indeed 
liable  to  no  well-founded  objection,  since  our  wisest  and 
best  organizations  meet  in  secret  conclave,*)  we  must 
look  to  two  sources  for  the  refutation  of  these  calumnies ; 
first,  to  the  peaceable  and  honest  lives  of  Freemasons 
themselves ;  and,  secondly,  to  the  published  constitu 
tions,  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the  order. 


THE  ORIGIN  OF  ORGANIZED  MASONRY. 

Much  confusion  has  been  occasioned  in  the  history 
of  this  institution  by  losing  sight  of  the  distinction  be¬ 
tween  operative  Masons  and  free  Masons.  Operative  Ma¬ 
sons,  or  Architects,  like  Astrologers,  Alchemists,  and 
other  similar  cultivators  of  the  arts,  had  an  existence 
almost  coeval  with  the  transition  of  society  from  its  no¬ 
madic  or  patriarchal  form  into  established  commonwealths 
and  kingdoms ;  when  men  began  to  collect  in  towns  and 
cities,  and  tents  were  abandoned,  and  habitations  of  wood 
and  stone  were  erected.  The  knowledge  of  the  arts  and 
sciences  being  limited  to  the  few,  in  those  remote  ages, 
the  possession  thereof  became  an  object  of  great  value, 
and  often  clothed  the  possessor  with  much  power.  These 

*  Allusion  is  here  made  to  such  bodies  as  the  United  States 
Senate,  the  House  of  Bishops  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 
&c. 


ORIGIN  OF  FREEMASONRY. 


13 


arts  were  handed  down  from  father  to  son,  as  they  still 
continue  to  he  in  the  east ;  and  those  who  were  great 
proficients  therein  ranked  with  the  Princes  of  the  land. 
Hence  the  traditions  of  operative  Masonry  are  linked 
with  the  building  of  those  ancient  structures,  which  were 
among  the  first  and  greatest  efforts  of  the  architect, 
having  Kings  for  their  projectors,  and  immense  multi 
tudes  of  organized  workmen  engaged  in  their  accomplish¬ 
ment  :  and  we  add,  that  these  workmen  have  kept  their 
secret  arts  with  such  fidelity,  that  some  of  them  have 
been  buried  with  their  owners,  and  modern  ingenuity 
has  failed  to  replace  them.  The  lapse  of  time,  the 
change  of  dynasties,  and  the  invasions  of  foreign  foes, 
have  occasioned  losses  to  the  operative  Mason  which  are 
much  to  be  regretted ;  among  them  may  be  noted  the 
means  of  uplifting  the  huge  stones  of  the  massy  struc¬ 
tures  of  those  early  periods,  and  the  composition  of  ce¬ 
ment,  as  durable  as  the  stone  itself. 


ORIGIN  OF  FREEMASONRY. 

The  importance  of  a  knowledge  of  the  ancient  arts 
and  cabala  of  the  craft,  induced  Princes,  and  even 
Kings,  to  seek  admission  thereto ;  and  hence  it  is  re¬ 
ported  of  Solomon,  King  of  Israel,  and  Hiram,  King  of 
Tyre,  that  they  not  only  became  partakers  of  the  privi¬ 
leges  of  the  craft,  but  also  improved  and  regulated  the 
organization  thereof  with  such  wisdom  and  skill,  as  to 
have  occasioned  its  perpetuation,  without  material 
change,  down  to  the  present  day.  When  distinguished 
men  were  thus  admitted  to  an  association  which  was 
2 


14  INCORPORATION  OF  KNIGHTS-TEMPLARS  . 

designed  only  for  operative  Masons,  they  were  termed, 
by  way  of  distinction,  “Free,”  in  contrast  with  the  ap¬ 
prenticed  craftsman,  and  “  Accepted,”  in  token  of  their 
being  received  and  regarded  as  if  they  wrere  Masons.  In 
process  of  time,  these  “  free  and  accepted  Masons”  be¬ 
came  so  numerous  as  to  warrant  the  origin  of  “  specula¬ 
tive  Masonry,”  which  was  engrafted  upon  the  ancient 
institution  during  the  seventeenth  century.  Speculative 
Masonry,  however,  began  to  develop  its  present  system 
of  instruction  at  a  much  earlier  day.  In  its  develop¬ 
ment  many  great  and  distinguished  men  have  taken 
part.  Among  these  the  craft  will  ever  remember,  with 
grateful  regard,  St.  Bernard,  St.  Albans,  and  William, 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury. 


KNIGHTS-TEMPLARS  INCORPORATED  WITH  FREEMASONS. 

Among  the  most  remarkable  and  successful  of  those 
princely  warriors  who  engaged  in  those  grand  and  daring 
enterprises,  the  Crusades,  none  obtained  more  favoura¬ 
ble  notoriety  for  valour,  gallantry,  and  self-denying  de¬ 
votion  to  the  protection  of  the  helpless  pilgrim,  and  the 
relief  of  the  distressed,  than  the  illustrious  and  magna¬ 
nimous  Knights  of  the  Temple.  But  when  their  deeds 
of  valour  had  made  them  many  patrons  and  friends, 
whose  legacies  and  gifts  were  proportioned  to  their  esti¬ 
mate  of  the  order,  envy  and  hatred  began  their  dark  and 
deadly  work,  and  men  secretly  blackened  the  characters 
of  those  whom  they  dared  not  openly  assail;  and  as 
soon  as  the  Crusades  were  ended,  and  Borne  no  longer 
needed  the  services  of  these  warriors,  she  began  to  fear 


incorporation  of  knights- templars.  15 


their  rising  power,  and  to  covet  their  hard-earned  pro 
perty.  From  secret  scandal,  their  envious  opponents 
advanced  to  slander ;  then  they  ventured  upon  open 
calumny,  and,  at  last,  instigated  by  an  empty  coffer, 
which  he  knew  not  how  to  replenish,  and  still  more  by 
the  intrigue  of  Rome,  who  was  ready  to  share  the  ill- 
gotten  spoils,  Philip,  King  of  France,  inveigled  the 
Templars  into  his  treacherous  plots ;  and  having  in  vain 
subjected  their  Grand  Master  and  officers  to  the  torture, 
with  the  hope  of  extorting  compulsory  acknowledgment 
of  alleged  crimes  and  infamous  treasons  of  the  order,  he 
commanded  a  general  massacre,  and  seized  their  estates, 
which  were  subsequently  squandered  in  the  reckless  dis¬ 
sipation  of  the  court.  Hunted  about  from  place  to 
place,  these  persecuted  Knights  were  often  driven  to  the 
dark  chambers  of  deserted  ruins  for  shelter ;  and,  at  last, 
similarity  of  circumstances,  and  mutual  sympathy  in 
each  other’s  persecutions,  brought  about  their  combina¬ 
tion  with  the  Masons,  who  were  themselves  the  objects 
of  aversion,  both  to  political  despotism  and  to  Roman 
intolerance.  The  Templars  were  incorporated  with  the 
Freemasons;  and  they  are  said  to  have  brought  with 
them,  from  the  east,  the  order  of  the  Knights  of  the 
Red  Cross,  which  forms  a  link  between  the  Royal  Arch 
Degree  and  their  own.  The  Knights  of  Malta  followed 
the  Templars ;  and  the  three  orders  of  Knighthood  are 
now  generally  acknowledged  among  Christian  Masons 
as  the  highest  and  noblest  ornaments  of  the  craft ;  for 
although  they  are  difficult  of  access,  and  few  are  able  to 
gain  and  share  their  privileges,  yet  they  acknowledge 
all  the  fraternity  as  a  common  brotherhood,  and  what- 


1G  DIRECTIONS  TO  CANDIDATES. 

ever  of  honour  and  advantage  is  theirs,  is  accounted  as 
the  common  property  of  the  whole  craft. 

There  are  two  criterions  by  which  we  may  judge  of 
Freemasonry,  i.  e.  its  own  inherent  merit  or  demerit, 
and  its  influence  over  its  members. 

We  present,  in  the  following  pages,  the  best  and 
fairest  means  of  forming  an  enlightened  judgment  of  the 
nature  of  this  institution.  Its  conventional  cabala  can 
only  be  obtained  from  those  in  whose  gift  it  must  ever 
remain,  and  in  the  way  and  manner  that  they  prescribe. 


DIRECTIONS  TO  CANDIDATES. 

The  Candidate  for  admission  to  the  rights  and  benefits  of  this 
ancient  and  honourable  Fraternity  must  be  at  least  twenty-one 
years  of  age,  of  good  moral  character,  temperate,  industrious,  and 
capable  of  earning  an  honest  livelihood;  he  must  be  sound  in 
mind  and  body,  and  unless  he  add  to  these  the  possession  of  a 
noble,  manly  spirit,  and  a  generous  heart,  he  never  can  bo  a  good 
Mason.  He  must  also  have  a  profession,  trade,  or  some  occupa¬ 
tion  which  is  reputable,  and  capable  of  affording  a  maintainance. 
The  proposal  for  admission  must  come  from  himself,  uninfluenced 
by  his  friends,  and  being  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  member  of  the 
Lodge,  must  be  submitted  for  their  consideration  at  least  one 
meeting  previous  to  the  time  of  initiation.  The  candidate  has  a 
right  to  see  the  warrant  by  which  the  Lodge  is  held ;  the  By-Laws, 
and  a  list  of  all  the  members  belonging  to  the  Lodge.  Having 
satisfied  himself  that  the  Lodge  is  duly  warranted  under  the  hand 
and  seal  of  the  Grand  Master  of  the  State,  he  should  present  his 
petition. 

The  questions  addressed  to  candidates  previous 
to  initiation ,  will  be  found  on  page  316. 


PART  I . 


FIRST  NINE  DEGREES  IN  MASONRY. 


FIRST  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 

ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


“  To  give  subtilty  to  the  simple, 

To  the  young  man,  knowledge  and  discretion.” 

Proverbs  i.  4. 


The  candidate  is  here  taught  valuable  lessons  of 
wisdom  and  virtue,  which  are  calculated  to  make  him 
sensible  of  the  vanity  of  earthly  distinction,  when  not 


9  * 


(17) 


18 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


founded  on  intrinsic  worth,  and  the  importance  of  such 
a  judicious  division  and  employment  of  his  time  and 
talents,  as  may  enable  him  to  worship  God,  secure  his 
own  happiness,  and  also  promote  the  well-being  of  his 
family  and  neighbours.  No  temple  was  ever  erected  by 
our  ancient  operative  Brethren,  so  magnificent  and 
imposing,  as  the  grand  structure  of  speculative  Masonry, 
upon  whose  threshold  we  now  are  treading,  whose  ever¬ 
lasting  columns  are  founded  in  strength,  enriched  by 
wisdom,  and  adorned  by  beauty. 


SECTION  FIRST. 

None  can  understand  the  beauties  of  Masonry,  unless 
he  be  duly  prepared  to  appreciate  what  follows,  by  being 
divested  of  prejudice.  Approaching  the  threshold  of 
this  time-honoured  institution,  with  becoming  humility, 
under  the  due  guard  of  a  responsible  guide,  the  inquirer 
may  here  learn  some  of  those  valuable  and  ancient 
usages  of  initiation,  which  have  ever  proved  a  sufficient 
protection  against  impostors.  As  it  is  impossible  that 
any  one  should  become  a  true  and  faithful  Freemason 
without  the  aid  of  Almighty  God,  a  prayer  is  here 
offered  up  for  the  benefit  of  the  candidate.  (See  Prayer 
at  Initiation,  Part  III.) 

The  following  passage  from  the  sacred  Scriptures  is 
read  during  the  ceremonies  of  this  section : — 

“  Behold  !  liow  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity : 

It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head, 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


19 


that  ran  down  upon  the  heard,  even  Aaron’s  beard, 
that  went  down  to  the  skirts  of  his  garment : 

As  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew  that 
descended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion :  for  there 
the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing,  even  life  for 
evermore.” 


Here  is  explained  the  peculiar  ensign  of  Masonry,  the 
Lamb-skin,  or  white  Apron,  the  emblem  of  innocence, 
and  the  badge  of  a  Mason,  more  ancient  than  the  golden 
fleece  or  Roman  Eagle ;  and  when  worthily  worn,  more 
honourable  than  the  star  and  garter,  or  any  other  order 
wdiich  could  he  conferred  on  the  candidate,  at  this  or  any 
future  period.  It  has  been  worn  by  kings,  princes,  and 
potentates  of  the  earth,  who  have  never  been  ashamed 
to  wear  it ;  and  it  should  be  worn  by  every  one  with 
pleasure  to  himself  and  honour  to  the  fraternity. 


20 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


This  section  closes  with  the  explanation  of  the  working 
tools  of  an  Entered  Apprentice,  which  are  the  twenty- 
four  inch  gauge  and  the  common  gavel. 

The  twenty-four  inch  gauge  is  an  instrument  used  by 
operative  Masons  to  measure  and  lay  out  their  work ; 
but  wre,  as  free  and  accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make 
use  of  it  for  the  more  noble  and  glorious  purpose  of 
dividing  our  time.  It  being  divided  into  twenty-four 
equal  parts,  is  emblematical  of  the  twenty-four  hours  of 
the  day,  which  wTe  are  taught  to  divide  into  three  equal 
parts ;  whereby  are  found  eight  hours  for  the  service  of 
God,  and  a  distressed  worthy  brother,  eight  for  our  usual 
vocations,  and  eight  for  refreshment  and  sleep. 


The  common  gavel  is  an  instrument  made  use  of  by 
operative  Masons  to  break  off  the  corners  of  rough 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


21 


stones,  the  better  to  fit  them  for  the  builder’s  use ;  but 
we,  as  free  and  accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make 
use  of  it  for  the  more  noble  and  glorious  purpose  of 
divesting  our  hearts  and  consciences  of  all  the  vices  and 
superfluities  of  life,  thereby  fitting  our  minds  as  living 
stones  for  that  spiritual  building,  that  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

SECTION  SECOND. 

The  candidate  is  here  advised  of  the  reasons  for  main 
taining  the  ancient  ceremonies  of  initiation.  He  is 
presented  with  a  lamb-skin  or  white  apron. 

The  lamb  has  in  all  ages  been  deemed  an  emblem  of 
innocence ;  the  lamb-skin  is  therefore  to  remind  him  of 
that  purity  of  life  and  conduct,  which  is  so  essentially 
necessary  to  his  gaining  admission  into  the  Celestial 
Lodge  above,  where  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the 
universe  presides. 


SECTION  THIRD. 


The  third  section  explains  the  nature  and  principles 
of  our  Constitution.  Here  too  we  receive  instructions 


22 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE 


relative  to  the  form,  supports,  covering,  furniture,  orna¬ 
ments,  lights,  and  jewels  of  the  Lodge,  how  it  should  b* 
situated,  and  to  whom  dedicated. 


Freemasonry  extends  from  East  to  West,  and  between 
North  and  South ;  and  in  every  clime  Masons  are  to  be 
found. 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


23 


Out  institution  is  said  to  be 
supported  by  Wisdom,  Strength, 
and  Beauty ;  because  it  is  neces¬ 
sary  that  there  should  be  wis¬ 
dom  to  contrive,  strength  to  sup¬ 
port,  and  beauty  to  adorn,  all 
great  and  important  undertak¬ 
ings. 

Its  covering  is  no  less  than  the 
clouded  canopy,  or  the  starry- 
decked  Heaven,  where  all  good 
Masons  hope  at  last  to  arrive, 
by  the  aid  of  the  theological  lad¬ 
der,  which  Jacob,  in  his  vision, 
saw  extending  from  earth  to  hea¬ 
ven;  the  three  principal  rounds 
of  which  are  denominated  Faith, 
Hope,  and  Charity,  and  which 
admonish  us  to  have  faith  in 
God,  hope  in  immortality,  and 
charity  to  all  mankind. 

The  greatest  of  these  is  Cha¬ 
rity;  for  our  Faith  may  be  lost 
in  sight,  Hope  ends  in  fruition, 
but  Charity  extends  beyond  the 
grave,  through  the  boundless 
realms  of  eternity. 

Every  well-governed  Lodge  is 
furnished  with  the  Holy  Bible, 
the  Square,  and  the  Compasses. 

The  H  oly  Bible  is  dedicated  to 
God,  the  Square  to  the  Master, 
and  the  Compasses  to  the  Craft. 


24 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE 


The  Bible  is  dedicated  to  God,  because  it  is  the 
inestimable  gift  of  God  to  man  *****  the 
Square  to  the  Master,  because  it  is  the  proper  masonic 
emblem  of  his  office ;  and  the  Compasses  to  the  Craft, 
because,  by  a  due  attention  to  their  use,  they  are  taught 
to  circumscribe  their  desires,  and  keep  their  passions 
within  due  bounds. 

The  Ornaments  of  a  Lodge  are  the  Mosaic  pavement, 
the  indented  tessel,  and  the  blazing  star.  The  Mosaic 
pavement  is  a  representation  of  the  ground-floor  of  King 
Solomon’s  temple ;  the  indented  tessel,  that  beautiful 
tesselated  border,  or  skirting,  which  surrounded  it ;  and 
the  blazing  star  in  the  centre  is  commemorative  of  the 
Star  which  appeared  to  guide  the  wise  men  of  the  East 
to  the  place  of  our  Saviour’s  nativity. 

The  Mosaic  pavement  is  emblematical  of  human  life, 
chequered  with  good  and  evil;  the  beautiful  border 
which  surrounds  it,  those  manifold  blessings  and  com- 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


26 


forts  which  surround  us,  and  which  we  hope  to  enjoy  by 
a  faithful  reliance  on  Divine  Providence,  which  is  hiero- 
glypliically  represented  by  the  blazing  star  in  the  centre. 

The  movable  and  immovable  Jewels  also  claim  our 
attention  in  this  section. 

The  rough  ashler  is  a  stone  as  taken  from  the  quarry 
in  its  rude  and  natural  state. 

The  perfect  ashler  is  a  stone  made  ready  by  the  hands 
of  the  workmen,  to  be  adjusted  by  the  working  tools  of 
the  Fellow  Craft.  The  trestle-board  is  for  the  master 
workman  to  draw  his  designs  upon. 

By  the  rough  ashler,  we  are  reminded  of  our  rude 
and  imperfect  state  by  nature ;  by  the  perfect  ashler 
that  state  of  perfection  at  which  we  hope  to  arrive  by 
a  virtuous  education,  our  own  endeavours,  and  the 
blessing  of  God;  and  by  the  trestle-board  we  are  also 


3 


•26 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


reminded,  that  as  the  operative  workman  erects  his  tem¬ 
poral  building  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  designs  laid 
down  by  the  master  on  his  trestle-board,  so  should  we, 
both  operative  and  speculative,  endeavour  to  erect  our 
spiritual  building  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  designs  laid 
down  by  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  universe,  in  the 
great  Books  of  nature  and  revelation,  which  are  our 
spiritual,  moral,  and  masonic  trestle-board. 

Lodges  were  anciently  dedicated  to  King  Solomon, 
the  first  Most  Excellent  Grand  Master ;  yet  Masons 
professing  Christianity  dedicate  to  St.  John  the  Baptist, 
and  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  who  were  two  eminent 
Christian  patrons  of  Masonry ;  and  since  their  time, 
there  is  represented,  in  every  regular  and  well-governed 
Lodge,  a  certain  point  within  the  circle,*  embordered 
by  two  parallel  lines,  representing  St.  John  the  Baptist 
and  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  and  upon  the  top  rest  the 
Holy  Scriptures.  In  going  round  this  circle,  we  neces¬ 
sarily  touch  upon  these  two  lines,  as  well  as  the  Holy 
Scriptures ;  and  while  a  Mason  keeps  himself  circum¬ 
scribed  within  their  precepts,  it  is  impossible  that  he 
should  materially  err. 

Brotherly  Love. 

By  the  exercise  of  brotherly  love,  we  are  taught  to 
regard  the  whole  human  species  as  one  family — the  high 
and  low,  the  rich  and  poor ;  who,  as  created  by  one 
Almighty  Parent,  and  inhabitants  of  the  same  plane fc, 
are  to  aid,  support,  and  protect  each  other.  On  this 

*  The  point  represents  an  individual  brother,  the  circle  is  the 
boundary  line,  beyond  which  he  is  never  to  suffer  his  prejudices  or 
passions  to  betray  him. 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  2V 


principle  Masonry  unites  men  of  every  country,  sect, 
and  opinion,  and  conciliates  true  friendship  among  those 
who  might  otherwise  have  remained  at  a  perpetual 
distance. 

Relief. 

To  relieve  the  distressed  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  all 
men,  but  particularly  on  Masons,  who  are  linked  toge¬ 
ther  by  an  indissoluble  chain  of  sincere  affection.  To 
soothe  the  unhappy,  to  sympathize  with  their  misfor¬ 
tunes,  to  compassionate  their  miseries,  and  to  restore 


2<S 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


peace  to  their  troubled  minds,  is  the  great  aim  we  have 
in  view.  On  this  basis  we  form  our  friendships  and 
establish  our  connections. 

Truth . 

Truth  is  a  divine  attribute,  and  the  foundation  of 
every  virtue.  To  he  good  and  true  is  the  first  lesson 
we  are  taught  in  Masonry.  On  this  theme  we  contem¬ 
plate,  and  by  its  dictates  endeavour  to  regulate  our  con¬ 
duct  ;  hence,  while  influenced  by  this  principle,  hypoc¬ 
risy  and  deceit  are  unknown  among  us,  sincerity  and 
plain  dealing  distinguish  us,  and  the  heart  and  tongue 
join  in  promoting  each  other’s  welfare,  and  rejoicing  in 
each  other’s  prosperity. 


THE  FOUR  CARDINAL  VIRTUES  —  TEMPERANCE,  FORTITUDE, 

PRUDENCE,  AND  JUSTICE. 

Temperance. 

Temperance  is  that  due  restraint  upon  our  affections 
and  passions,  which  renders  the  body  tame  and  govern¬ 
able,  and  frees  the  mind  from  the  allurements  of  vice. 
This  virtue  should  be  the  constant  practice  of  every  Ma¬ 
son,  as  he  is  thereby  taught  to  avoid  excess,  and  the  con¬ 
tracting  any  licentious  or  vicious  habit,  the  indulgence 
of  which  might  lead  him  to  disclose  some  of  those 
valuable  secrets  which  he  has  promised  to  conceal  and 
never  reveal,  and  which  wTould  consequently  subject  him 
to  the  contempt  and  detestation  of  all  good  Masons  *  * 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


29 


Fortitude. 

Fortitude  is  that  noble  and  steady  purpose  of  the 
mind,  whereby  we  are  enabled  to  undergo  any  pain, 
peril,  or  danger,  when  prudentially  deemed  expedient. 
This  virtue  is  equally  distant  from  rashness  and  cow¬ 
ardice  ;  and,  like  the  former,  should  be  deeply  impressed 
upon  the  mind  of  every  Mason,  as  a  safeguard  or  secu¬ 
rity  against  any  illegal  attack  that  may  be  made,  by 
force  or  otherwise,  to  extort  from  him  any  of  those 
valuable  secrets  with  which  he  has  been  so  solemnly 
intrusted,  and  which  were  emblematically  represented 
upon  his  first  admission  into  the  Lodge.  *  *  *  * 

Prudence. 

Prudence  teaches  us  to  regulate  our  lives  and  actions 
agreeably  to  the  dictates  of  reason,  and  is  that  habit  by 
which  we  wisely  judge,  and  prudently  determine,  on 
all  things  relative  to  our  present  as  well  as  to  our  future 
happiness.  This  virtue  should  be  the  peculiar  charac¬ 
teristic  of  every  Mason,  not  only  for  the  government  of 
his  conduct  while  in  the  Lodge,  but  also  when  abroad  in 
the  world.  It  should  be  particularly  attended  to,  in  all 
strange  and  mixed  companies,  never  to  let  fall  the  least 
sign,  token,  or  word,  whereby  the  secrets  of  Masonry 
might  be  unlawfully  obtained.  ***** 

Justice. 

Justice  is  that  standard,  or  boundary  of  right,  which 
enables  us  to  render  to  every  man  his  just  due,  without 
distinction.  This  virtue  is  not  only  consistent  with 
divine  and  human  laws,  but  is  the  very  cement  and  sup- 


30 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE 


port  of  civil  society ;  and  as  justice  in  a  great  measure 
constitutes  the  real  good  man,  so  should  it  he  the  inva¬ 
riable  practice  of  every  Mason,  never  to  deviate  in  the 
least  degree  from  the  principles  thereof.  *  *  *  * 

These  virtues,  which  have  been  illustrated  by  the 
examples  of  many  distinguished  and  venerated  men 
among  our  ancient  Brethren,  are  thus  placed  before  the 
Entered  Apprentice,  accompanied  by  other  observations 
peculiar  to  the  Craft ;  after  which  this  instructive  and 
beautiful  degree  closes  with  the  following 

CHARGE. 

Brother — As  you  are  now  introduced  into  the  first 
principles  of  Masonry,  I  congratulate  you  on  being 
accepted  into  this  ancient  and  honourable  order : — 
ancient,  as  having  subsisted  from  time  immemorial,  and 
honourable,  as  tending,  in  every  particular,  so  to  render 
all  men  who  will  be  conformable  to  its  precepts.  No 
institution  was  ever  raised  on  better  principles,  or  a  more 
solid  foundation ;  nor  were  ever  more  excellent  rules 
and  useful  maxims  laid  down,  than  are  inculcated  in  the 
several  masonic  lectures.  The  greatest  and  best  of 
men,  in  all  ages,  have  been  encouragers  and  promoters 
of  the  art,  and  have  never  deemed  it  derogatory  to«  their 
dignity,  to  level  themselves  with  the  fraternity,  extend 
their  privileges,  and  patronize  their  assemblies.  There 
are  three  great  duties  which,  as  a  Mason,  you  are 
charged  to  inculcate — to  God,  your  neighbour,  and  your¬ 
self.  To  God,  in  never  mentioning  his  name,  but  with 
that  reverential  awe  which  is  due  from  a  creature  to  his 
Creator ;  to  implore  his  aid  in  all  your  laudable  under¬ 
takings,  and  to  esteem  him  as  the  chief  good :  -to  your 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


31 


neighbour,  in  acting  upon  the  square,  and  doing  unto 
him  as  you  wish  he  should  do  unto  you : — and  to  your¬ 
self,  in  avoiding  all  irregularity  and  intemperance,  which 
may  impair  your  faculties,  or  debase  the  dignity  of  your 
profession.  A  zealous  attachment  to  these  duties  will 
insure  public  and  private  esteem. 

In  the  State,  you  are  to  be  a  quiet  and  peaceable 
citizen,  true  to  your  government,  and  just  to  your 
country.  You  are  not  to  countenance  disloyalty  or  re¬ 
bellion,  but  patiently  submit  to  legal  authority,  and  con¬ 
form  with  cheerfulness  to  the  government  of  the  country 
in  which  you  live.  In  your  outward  demeanor,  be  par 
ticularly  careful  to  avoid  censure  and  reproach. 

Although  your  frequent  appearance  at  our  regular 
meetings  is  earnestly  solicited,  yet  it  is  not  meant  that 
Masonry  should  interfere  with  your  necessary  vocations, 
for  these  are  on  no  account  to  be  neglected ;  neither  are  you 
to  suffer  your  zeal  for  the  institution  to  lead  you  into  ar¬ 
gument  with  those  who,  through  ignorance,  may  ridicule  it. 

At  your  leisure  hours,  that  you  may  improve  in  ma¬ 
sonic  knowledge,  you  are  to  converse  with  well-informed 
brethren,  who  will  be  always  as  ready  to  give,  as  you 
will  be  ready  to  receive,  instruction. 

Finally,  keep  sacred  and  inviolable  the  mysteries  of 
the  order.  These  are  to  distinguish  you  from  the  rest 
of  the  community,  and  mark  your  consequence  among 
Masons.  If,  in  the  circle  of  your  acquaintance,  you 
find  a  person  desirous  of  being  initiated  into  Masonry, 
be  particularly  attentive  not  to  recommend  him,  unless 
you  arc  convinced  he  will  conform  to  our  rules  ;  that  the 
honour,  glory,  and  reputation  of  the  institution  may  bo 
firmly  established,  and  the  world  at  large  convinced  of 
its  good  effects. 


SECOND  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 

C5  For  they  were  Craftsmen.” — 1  Chron.  i.  14. 

SECTION  FIRST. 

The  candidate  here  passes  the  threshold  of  the  outer 
court,  and  approaches  a  portion  of  the  work  which  is 
well  worth  years  of  constant  study.  The  ceremonial  of 
this  section  is  solemn  and  imposing ;  it  should  be  under¬ 
stood  by  all  who  would  advance  further. 

“  Thus  he  showed  me ;  and  behold  the  Lord 
stood  upon  a  wall  made  by  a  plumb-line,  with  a 
plumb-line  in  his  hand.  And  the  Lord  said  unto 
me,  Amos,  what  seest  thou  ?  And  I  said,  A 


(33) 


34 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


plumb-line.  Then  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will 
set  a  plumb-line  in  the  midst  of  my  people  Israel : 
I  will  not  again  pass  by  them  any  more.” — Amos 
vii.  7,  8. 

The  working  tools  of  a  fellow  craft  are  the  plumb, 
the  square,  and  the  level.  The  plumb  is  an  instrument 
made  use  of  by  operative  Masons  to  raise  perpendicu¬ 
lars  ;  the  square,  to  square  the  work,  and  the  level,  to 
lay  horizontals :  but  we,  as  free  and  accepted  Masons, 
are  taught  to  make  use  of  them  for  more  noble  and  glo¬ 
rious  purposes.  The  plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  up¬ 
rightly  in  our  several  stations  before  God  and  man, 
squaring  our  actions  by  the  square  of  virtue,  and  remem¬ 
bering  that  we  are  travelling  upon  the  level  of  time,  to 
“  that  undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourne  no 
traveller  returns.” 

SECTION  SECOND. 

Here  is  given  important  and  instructive  details  of 
ancient  art.  Moral  precepts  are  also  taught,  and  the 
origin  of  a  valuable  secret  and  mystic  emblem  is  ex¬ 
plained.  The  Mason  who  would  be  useful  and  honour¬ 
able  among  the  fraternity,  must  give  much  attention  to 
what  is  here  inculcated. 

Masonry  is  considered  under  two  denominations : 
operative  and  speculative. 

Operative  Masonry, 

By  operative  Masonry,  we  allude  to  a  proper  applica¬ 
tion  of  the  useful  rules  of  architecture,  whence  a  struc¬ 
ture  will  derive  figure,  strength,  and  beauty,  and  whence 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


35 


will  result  a  due  proportion  and  a  just  correspondence 
in  all  its  parts.  It  furnishes  us  with  dwellings,  and  con¬ 
venient  shelters  from  the  vicissitudes  and  inclemencies 
of  seasons ;  and  while  it  displays  the  effects  of  human 
wisdom,  as  well  in  the  choice,  as  in  the  arrangement,  of 
the  sundry  materials  of  which  an  edifice  is  composed,  it 
demonstrates  that  a  fund  of  science  and  industry  is  im¬ 
planted  in  man,  for  the  best,  most  salutary,  and  bene¬ 
ficent  purposes. 


Speculative  Masonry. 

By  speculative  Masonry  we  learn  to  subdue  the  pas¬ 
sions,  act  upon  the  square,  keep  a  tongue  of  good  report, 
maintain  secrecy,  and  practise  charity.  It  is  so  far 
interwoven  with  religion,  as  to  lay  us  under  obligation 
to  pay  that  rational  homage  to  the  Deity,  which  at  once 
constitutes  our  duty  and  our  happiness.  It  leads  the 
contemplative  to  view,  with  reverence  and  admiration, 
the  glorious  works  of  creation,  and  inspires  him  with 
the  most  exalted  ideas  of  the  perfections  of  his  divine 
Creator. 

In  six  days  God  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth, 
and  rested  upon  the  seventh  day.  The  seventh,  there¬ 
fore,  our  ancient  brethren  consecrated  as  a  day  of 
rest  from  their  labours,  thereby  enjoying  frequent 
opportunities  to  contemplate  the  glorious  works  of  crea¬ 
tion,  and  to  adore  their  great  Creator. 

Peace,  Unity,  and  Plenty  are  here  explained. 

Grlobes. 

Globes  are  artificial  and  spherical  bodies,  on  the  con  ¬ 
vex  surface  of  which  are  represented  the  countries,  seas, 


and  various  parts  of  the  earth ;  the  face  of  the  heavens, 
the  planetary  revolutions,  and  other  particulars. 


The  Use  of  the  Grlobes. 

Their  principal  use,  beside  serving  as  maps  to  distin¬ 
guish  the  outward  parts  of  the  earth,  and  the  situation 
of  the  fixed  stars,  is  to  illustrate  and  explain  the  pheno¬ 
mena  arising  from  the  annual  revolution,  and  the  diurnal 
rotation,  of  the  earth  round  its  own  axis.  They  are 
noble  instruments  for  improving  the  mind,  and  giving 
distinct  ideas  of  any  problems,  enabling  it  also  to  solve 
them.  Contemplating  these  bodies,  we  are  inspired  with 
reverence  for  the  Deity  and  his  works,  and  are  induced 
to  encourage  the  studies  of  astronomy,  geography,  and 
navigation,  and  the  arts  dependent  on  them,  by  which 
society  has  been  much  benefited. 

The  Craftsman  is  here  instructed  in  Architecture.  We 
give  a  short  description  of  the  five  orders. 

By  order  in  architecture  is  meant  a  system  of  all  the 
members,  proportions,  and  ornaments  of  columns  and 
pilasters.-  Or  it  is  a  regular  arrangement  of  the  pro¬ 
jecting  parts  of  a  building,  which,  united  with  those  of 
a  column,  form  a  beautiful,  perfect,  and  complete  whole. 

From  the  first  formation  of  society  order  in  architec¬ 
ture  may  be  traced.  When  the  rigour  of  seasons  obliged 
men  to  contrive  shelter  from  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather,  we  learn  that  they  first  planted  trees  on  end, 
and  then  laid  others  across,  to  support  a  covering.  The 
bands  which  connected  those  trees  at  top  and  bottom,  are 
said  to  have  given  rise  to  the  idea  of  the  base  and  capital 
4 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


38 

of  pillars ;  and  from  this  simple  hint  originally  pro¬ 
ceeded  the  more  improved  art  of  architecture. 

The  five  orders  are  thus  classed : — the  Tuscan,  Doric, 
Ionic,  Corinthian,  and  Composite. 

The  Tuscan 

Is  the  most  simple  and  solid.  It  was  invented  in 
Tuscany,  whence  it  derives  its  name.  The  simplicity  of 
the  construction  of  this  column  renders  it  eligible  where 
ornament  would  be  superfluous. 

The  Doric , 

Which  is  plain  and  natural,  is  the  most  ancient,  and 
was  invented  by  the  Greeks.  Its  column  is  eight  diame¬ 
ters  high,  and  has  seldom  any  ornaments  on  base  or 
capital,  except  mouldings,  though  the  frieze  is  distin¬ 
guished  by  triglyphs  and  metopes ;  and  triglyphs  com¬ 
pose  the  ornaments  of  the  frieze. 

The  Doric  is  the  best  proportioned  of  all  the  orders. 
The  several  parts  of  which  it  is  composed  are  founded 
on  the  natural  position  of  solid  bodies.  In  its  first  in¬ 
vention  it  was  more  simple  than  in  its  present  state.  In 
after  times,  when  it  began  to  be  adorned,  it  gained  the 
name  of  Doric,  for  when  it  was  constructed  in  its  primi¬ 
tive  and  simple  form  the  name  of  Tuscan  was  conferred 
on  it.  Hence  the  Tuscan  precedes  the  Doric  in  rank, 
on  account  of  its  resemblance  to  that  pillar  in  its  ori¬ 
ginal  state. 

The  Ionic 

Bears  a  kind  of  mean  proportion  between  the  moro 
solid  and  delicate  orders.  Its  column  is  nine  diameters 
high ;  its  capital  is  adorned  with  volutes,  and  its  cornice 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


30 


has  dentals.  There  is  both  delicacy  and  ingenuity  dis¬ 
played  in  this  pillar ;  the  invention  of  which  is  attri¬ 
buted  to  the  Ionians,  as  the  famous  temple  of  Diana  at 
Ephesus  was  of  this  order.  It  is  said  to  have  been 
formed  after  the  model  of  an  agreeable  young  woman, 
of  an  elegant  shape,  dressed  in  her  hair,  as  a  contrast 
to  the  Doric  order,  which  was  formed  after  that  of  a 
strong,  robust  man. 

The  Corinthian , 

The  richest  of  the  five  orders,  is  deemed  a  master¬ 
piece  of  art.  Its  column  is  ten  diameters  high,  and  its 
capital  is  adorned  with  two  rows  of  leaves,  and  eight 
volutes,  which  sustain  the  abacus.  The  frieze  is  orna¬ 
mented  with  curious  devices,  the  cornice  with  dentals 
and  modillions.  This  order  is  used  in  stately  and  superb 
structures. 

It  was  invented  at  Corinth  by  Callimachus,  who  is 
said  to  have  taken  the  hint  of  the  capital  of  this  pillar 
from  the  following  remarkable  circumstance.  Accident¬ 
ally  passing  by  the  tomb  of  a  young  lady,  he  perceived 
a  basket  of  toys  covered  with  tile,  placed  over  an  acan¬ 
thus  root,  having  been  left  there  by  her  nurse.  As  the 
branches  grew  up,  they  encompassed  the  basket,  till, 
arriving  at  the  tile,  they  met  with  an  obstruction,  and 
bent  downwards.  Callimachus,  struck  with  the  object, 
set  about  imitating  the  figure :  the  vase  of  the  capital 
he  made  to  represent  the  basket,  the  abacus  the  tile,  and 
the  volutes  the  bending  leaves. 

The  Composite 

Is  compounded  of  the  other  orders,  and  was  contrived 
by  the  Romans.  Its  capital  has  the  two  rows  of  leaves 


40 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


of  the  Corinthian,  and  the  volutes  of  the  Ionic.  Its 
column  has  quarter-rounds,  as  the  Tuscan  and  Doric 
order,  is  ten  diameters  high,  and  its  cornice  has  dentals, 
or  simple  modillions.  This  pillar  is  generally  found  in 
buildings  where  strength,  elegance,  and  beauty  are 
displayed. 

The  Invention  of  Order  in  Architecture. 

The  ancient  and  original  orders  of  architecture, 
revered  by  Masons,  are  no  more  than  three : — the  Doric, 
Ionic,  and  Corinthian,  which  were  invented  by  the 
Greeks.  To  these  the  Romans  have  added  two :  the 
Tuscan,  which  they  made  plainer  than  the  Doric,  and 
the  Composite,  which  was  more  ornamental,  if  not  more 
beautiful,  than  the  Corinthian.  The  first  three  orders 
alone,  however,  show  invention  and  particular  character, 
and  essentially  differ  from  each  other.  The  two  others 
have  nothing  but  what  is  borrowed,  and  differ  only  acci¬ 
dentally  ;  the  Tuscan  is  the  Doric  in  its  earliest  state, 
and  the  Composite  is  the  Corinthian  enriched  with  the 
Ionic.  To  the  Greeks,  therefore,  and  not  to  the  Ro¬ 
mans,  are  we  indebted  for  what  is  great,  judicious,  and 
distinct,  in  architecture. 

THE  FIVE  SENSES — HEARING,  SEEING,  FEELING  SMELLING, 

AND  TASTING. 

Hearing 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  sounds,  and  are 
capable  of  enjoying  all  the  agreeable  charms  of  music. 
Ry  it  we  are  enabled  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  society, 
and  to  communicate  to  each  other  our  thoughts  and 
intentions,  our  purposes  and  desires. 


4  * 


42 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


The  wise  and  beneficent  Author  of  Nature  intended, 
by  the  formation  of  this  sense,  that  we  should  be  social 
creatures,  and  receive  the  greatest  and  most  important 
part  of  our  knowledge  by  the  information  of  others 


Seeing 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  objects,  and  in 
an  instant  of  time,  without  change  of  place  or  situation  ; 
view  armies  in  battle  array,  figures  of  the  most  stately 
structures,  and  all  the  agreeable  variety  displayed  in 
the  landscape  of  nature.  By  this  sense  we  find  our  way 
on  the  pathless  ocean,  traverse  the  earth,  and  determine 
its  figure  and  dimensions.  By  it  we  measure  the  plane¬ 
tary  orbs,  and  make  new  discoveries  in  the  sphere  of  the 
fixed  stars.  Nay  more :  by  it  we  perceive  the  tempers 
and  dispositions,  the  passions,  and  affections  of  our  fel¬ 
low  creatures,  when  they  wish  most  to  conceal  them ; 
so  that  though  the  tongue  may  be  taught  to  lie  and  dis¬ 
semble,  the  countenance  would  display  the  hypocrisy  to 
the  discerning  eye.  In  fine,  the  rays  of  light  which 
administer  to  this  sense,  are  the  most  astonishing  part 
of  the  animated  creation,  and  render  the  eye  a  peculiar 
object  of  admiration. 

Of  all  the  faculties  sight  is  the  noblest.  The  struc¬ 
ture  of  the  eye,  and  its  appurtenances,  evince  the  ad¬ 
mirable  contrivance  of  nature  for  performing  all  its 
various  external  and  internal  motions ;  while  the  variety 
displayed  in  the  eyes  of  different  animals,  suited  to  their 
several  ways  of  life,  clearly  demonstrates  this  organ  to 
be  the  masterpiece  of  Nature’s  work. 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


43 


Feeling 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  the  different 
qualities  of  bodies,  such  as  heat  and  cold,  hardness  and 
softness,  roughness  and  smoothness,  figure,  solidity, 
motion,  and  extension. 

These  three  senses,  Hearing,  Seeing,  and  Feeling, 
are  most  revered  among  Masons. 


Smelling 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  odors,  the  va¬ 
rious  kinds  of  which  convey  different  impressions  to  the 
mind.  Animal  and  vegetable  bodies,  and  indeed  most 
other  bodies,  while  exposed  to  the  air,  continually  send 
forth  effluvia  of  vast  subtilty,  as  well  in  the  state  of  life 
and  growth,  as  in  the  state  of  fermentation  and  putre¬ 
faction.  These  effluvia  being  drawn  into  the  nostrils 
along  with  the  air,  are  the  means  by  which  all  bodies 
are  smelled.  Hence  it  is  evident  that  there  is  a  mani¬ 
fest  appearance  of  design  in  the  great  Creator’s  having 
planted  the  organ  of  smelling  on  the  inside  of  that  canal, 
through  which  the  air  continually  passes  in  respiration. 

Tasting 

Enables  us  to  make  a  proper  distinction  in  the  choice 
of  our  food.  The  organ  of  this  sense  guards  the  en¬ 
trance  of  the  alimentary  canal,  as  that  of  smelling 
guards  the  entrance  of  the  canal  for  respiration.  From 
the  situation  of  both  these  organs,  it  is  plain  that  they 
were  intended  by  nature  to  distinguish  wholesome  food 


44 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


from  that  which  is  nauseous.  Everything  that  enters 
into  the  stomach  must  undergo  the  scrutiny  of  tasting, 
and  by  it  we  are  capable  of  discerning  the  changes 
which  the  same  body  undergoes  in  the  different  compo¬ 
sitions  of  art,  cookery,  chemistry,  pharmacy,  &c. 

Smelling  and  tasting  are  inseparably  connected ;  and 
it  is  by  the  unnatural  kind  of  life  men  commonly  lead 
in  society,  that  these  senses  are  rendered  less  fit  to  per¬ 
form  their  natural  offices. 

THE  SEVEN  LIBERAL  ARTS  AND  SCIENCES — GRAMMAR, 
RHETORIC,  LOGIC,  ARITHMETIC,  GEOMETRY,  MUSIC,  AND 
ASTRONOMY. 

Grammar 

Teaches  the  proper  arrangement  of  words,  according 
to  the  idiom  or  dialect  of  any  particular  people ;  and 
that  excellency  of  pronunciation  which  enables  us  to 
speak  or  write  a  language  with  accuracy,  agreeably  to 
reason  and  correct  usage. 

Rhetoric 

Teaches  us  to  speak  copiously  and  fluently  on  any 
subject,  not  merely  with  propriety  alone,  but  with  all 
the  advantages  of  force  and  elegance,  wisely  contriving 
to  captivate  the  hearer  by  strength  of  argument  and 
beauty  of  expression,  whether  it  be  to  entreat  or  exhort, 
to  admonish  or  applaud. 


Logic 

Teaches  us  to  guide  our  reason  discrotionally  in  the 
general  knowledge  of  things,  and  directs  our  inquiries 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


45 


after  truth.  It  consists  of  a  regular  train  of  ’argument, 
whence  we  infer,  deduce,  and  conclude,  according  to  cer¬ 
tain  premises  laid  down,  admitted,  or  granted ;  and  in  it 
are  employed  the  faculties  of  conceiving,  judging,  rea¬ 
soning,  and  disposing,  all  of  which  are  naturally  led  on 
from  one  gradation  to  another,  till  the  point  in  question 
is  finally  determined. 

Arithmetic 

Teaches  the  powers  and  properties  of  numbers.  This 
is  variously  effected,  by  letters,  tables,  figures,  and  in¬ 
struments.  By  this  art  reasons  and  demonstrations  are 
given  for  finding  out  any  certain  number,  whose  relation 
or  affinity  to  another  is  already  known. 

G-eometry. 

Geometry  treats  of  the  powers  and  properties  of  mag¬ 
nitudes  in  general,  where  length,  breadth,  and  thickness 
are  considered,  from  a  point  to  a  line,  from  a  line  to  a 
superficies,  and  from  a  superficies  to  a  solid. 

A  point  is  a  dimensionless  figure,  or  an  indivisible 
part  of  a  space. 

A  line  is  a  point  continued,  and  a  figure  of  one  capa¬ 
city,  namely,  length. 

A  superficies  is  a  figure  of  two  dimensions,  namely, 
length  and  breadth. 

A  solid  is  a  figure  of  three  dimensions,  namely, 
length,  breadth,  and  thickness. 

By  this  science  the  architect  is  enabled  to  construct 
his  plans,  and  execute  his  designs ;  the  general,  to  ar¬ 
range  his  soldiers ;  the  geographer,  to  give  us  the  dimen- 


4G 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


sions  of  the  world,  and  all  things  therein  contained ;  to 
delineate  the  extent  of  seas,  and  specify  the  divisions 
of  empires,  kingdoms,  and  provinces.  By  it,  also,  the 
astronomer  is  enabled  to  make  his  observations,  and  to 
fix  the  duration  of  time  and  seasons,  years  and  cycles. 

In  fine,  geometry  is  the  foundation  of  architecture, 
and  the  root  of  mathematics. 

Music 

Teaches  the  art  of  forming  concords,  so  as  to  com¬ 
pose  delightful  harmony,  by  a  mathematical  and  propor¬ 
tional  arrangement  of  acute,  grave,  and  mixed  sounds. 
This  art,  by  a  series  of  experiments,  is  reduced  to  a 
demonstrative  science,  with  respect  to  tones  and  the  in¬ 
tervals  of  sound.  It  inquires  into  the  nature  of  con¬ 
cords  and  discords,  and  enables  us  to  find  out  the  pro¬ 
portion  between  them  by  numbers. 

Astronomy 

Is  that  divine  art  by  which  we  are  taught  to  read  the 
wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty  of  the  Almighty  Creator, 
in  those  sacred  pages,  the  celestial  hemisphere. 

Assisted  by  astronomy,  we  can  observe  the  magni¬ 
tudes,  and  calculate  the  periods  and  eclipses  of  the 
heavenly  bodies.  By  it  we  learn  the  use  of  the  globes, 
the  system  of  the  world,  and  the  preliminary  law  of 
nature.  While  we  are  employed  in  the  study  of  this 
science,  we  must  perceive  unparalleled  instances  of  wis  • 
dom  and  goodness ;  and,  through  the  whole  creation, 
trace  the  glorious  Author  by  his  works. 


FELLOW  CRAFT 


47 


[ Here  an  emblem  of  Plenty  is  introduced  and  ex¬ 
plained.' ] 

The  Moral  Advantages  of  Geometry. 

Geometry,  the  first  and  noblest  of  sciences,  is  the 
basis  on  which  the  superstructure  of  Masonry  is  erected. 
By  geometry  we  may  curiously  trace  Nature  through 
her  various  windings  to  her  most  concealed  recesses. 
By  it  we  may  discover  the  power,  the  wisdom,  and  the 
goodness  of  the  Grand  Artificer  of  the  universe,  and 
view  with  delight  the  proportions  which  connect  this 
vast  machine. 

By  it  we  may  discover  how  the  planets  move  in  their 
different  orbits,  and  demonstrate  their  various  revolu¬ 
tions.  By  it  we  account  for  the  return  of  seasons,  and 
the  variety  of  scenes  which  each  season  displays  to  the 
discerning  eye.  Numberless  worlds  are  around  us,  all 
framed  by  the  same  Divine  Artist,  which  roll  through 
the  vast  expanse,  and  are.  Al  conducted  by  the  same  un¬ 
erring  law  of  nature, 


48 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


A  survey  of  Nature,  and  the  observation  of  her  beau¬ 
tiful  proportions,  first  determined  man  to  imitate  the 
divine  plan,  and  study  symmetry  and  order.  This  gave 
rise  to  societies,  and  birth  to  every  useful  art.  The 
architect  began  to  design,  and  the  plans  which  he  laid 
down,  being  improved  by  experience  and  time,  have  pro¬ 
duced  works  which  are  the  admiration  of  every  age. 

The  lapse  of  time,  the  ruthless  hand  of  ignorance, 
and  the  devastations  of  war,  have  laid  waste  and  de¬ 
stroyed  many  valuable  monuments  of  antiquity,  on 
which  the  utmost  exertions  of  human  genius  have  been 
employed.  Even  the  temple  of  Solomon,  so  spacious 
and  magnificent,  and  constructed  by  so  many  celebrated 
artists,  escaped  not  the  unsparing  ravages  of  barbarous 
force.  Freemasonry,  notwithstanding,  has  still  survived. 
The  attentive  ear  receives  the  sound  from  the  instructive 
tongue ;  and  the  mysteries  of  Freemasonry  are  safely 
lodged  in  the  repository  of  faithful  breasts.  Tools  and 
instruments  of  architecture,  and  symbolic  emblems  most 
expressive,  are  selected  by  the  fraternity  to  imprint  on 
the  mind  lessons  of  wisdom  and  truth ;  and  thus,  through 
a  succession  of  ages,  are  transmitted,  unimpaired,  the 
most  excellent  tenets  of  our  institution. 


CHARGE  AT  PASSING  TO  THE  DEGREE  OF  FELLOW  CRAFT 

Brother  —  Being  passed  to  the  second  degree  of 
Masonry,  we  congratulate  you  on  your  preferment. 
The  internal,  and  not  the  external  qualifications  of  a 
man,  are  what  Masonry  regards.  As  you  increase  in 
knowledge  you  will  improve  in  social  intercourse. 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


40 


It  is  unnecessary  to  recapitulate  the  duties  which,  as 
a  Mason,  you  are  bound  to  discharge,  or  to  enlarge  on 
the  necessity  of  a  strict  adherence  to  them,  as  your  own 
experience  must  have  established  their  value.  Our  laws 
and  regulations  you  are  strenuously  to  support,  and  be 
always  ready  to  assist  in  seeing  them  duly  executed. 
You  are  not  to  palliate  or  aggravate  the  offences  of  your 
brethren,  but  in  the  decision  of  every  trespass  against 
our  rules,  you  are  to  judge  with  candor,  admonish  with 
friendship,  and  reprehend  with  justice. 

The  study  of  the  liberal  arts,  that  valuable  branch  of 
education  which  tends  so  effectually  to  polish  and  adorn 
the  mind,  is  earnestly  recommended  to  your  considera¬ 
tion  ;  especially  the  science  of  geometry,  which  is  estab¬ 
lished  as  the  basis  of  our  art. 

Your  past  behaviour  and  regular  deportment  have 
merited  the  honour  which  we  have  now  conferred ;  and 
in  your  new  character,  it  is  expected  that  you  will  con¬ 
form  to  the  principles  of  the  Order,  by  steadily  perse¬ 
vering  in  the  practice  of  every  commendable  virtue. 
Such  is  the  nature  of  your  engagements  as  a  Fellow 
Craft,  and  to  these  duties  you  are  bound  by  the  most 
sacred  ties. 


6 


THIRD  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


MASTER  MASON. 


“  Now  a  thing  was  secretly  brought  to  me, 
And  my  ear  received  a  little  thereof.” 

Job  iv.  12 


SECTION  FIRST. 

The  rulers  of  Lodges  working  in  the  first  and  second 
degrees,  are  chosen  from  among  the  number  of  those 
who  have  received  this  degree.  Its  solemn  lessons  incul¬ 
cate  fidelity. 

“  Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of 
thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the 
years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  shalt  say,  I  have  no 
pleasure  in  them ;  while  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or 
the  moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not  darkened,  nor  the 
clouds  return  after  the  rain ;  in  the  day  when  the 
keepers  of  the  house  shall  tremble,  and  the  strong 
men  shall  bow  themselves,  and  the  grinders  cease 
because  they  are  few,  and  those  that  look  out  of 
the  windows  be  darkened ;  and  the  doors  shall  be 
shut  in  the  streets,  when  the  sound  of  the  grind- 

(51)" 


52 


MASTER  MASON. 


ing  is  low;  and  lie  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of 
the  bird,  and  all  the  daughters  of  music  shall  be 
brought  low.  Also,  when  they  shall  be  afraid  of 
that  which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be  in  the  way, 
and  the  almond-tree  shall  flourish,  and  the  grass¬ 
hopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall  fail ; 
because  man  goeth  to  his  long  home,  and  the 
mourners  go  about  the  streets :  or  ever  the  silver 
cord  be  loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  be  broken  at 
the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cistern. 
Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was, 
and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it.” 
— Eccl.  xii.  1 — 7. 


The  working  tools  of  a  Master  Mason  are  all  the 
implements  of  Masonry  indiscriminately,  but  more  espe¬ 
cially  the  trowel. 

» 


MASTER  MASON. 


53 


The  trowel  is  an  instrument  made  use  of  by  operative 
Masons  to  spread  the  cement  which  unites  a  building 
into  one  common  mass ;  but  we,  as  free  and  accepted 


Masons,  are  taught  to  make  use  of  it  for  the  more  noble 
and  glorious  purpose  of  spreading  the  cement  of  bro¬ 
therly  love  and  affection ;  that  cement  which  unites  us 
into  one  sacred  band  or  society  of  friends  and  brothers, 
among  whom  no  contention  should  ever  exist,  but  that 
noble  contention,  or  rather  emulation,  who  can  best 

WORK  OR  BEST  AGREE. 

SECTION  SECOND. 

The  historical  traditions  of  ancient  operative  Masons 
are  here  given,  and  they  furnish  an  instance  of  rare 
virtue,  fortitude,  and  integrity,  in  contrast  with  the  de¬ 
velopment  of  those  passions,  which  debase  and  ruin  all 
■who  indulge  them. 

'See  Part  III.,  Prayer  No.  3.) 

SECTION  THIRD. 

Much  information  is  here  given  concerning  certain 
cabalistic  hieroglyphics,  and  useful  lessons  are  inculcated. 
Some  valuable  details  of  the  traditions  of  the  Craft  con 
cerning  Solomon’s  temple  are  also  introduced. 

This  famous  fabric  was  supported  by  fourteen  hundred 
and  fifty-three  columns,  and  two  thousand  nine  hundred 
and  six  pilasters,  all  hewn  from  the  finest  Parian  marble. 

5* 


54 


MASTER  MASON . 


There  were  employed  in  its  building  three  Grand  Mas¬ 
ters,  three  thousand  three  hundred  overseers  of  the 
work,  eighty  thousand  Fellow  Crafts,  or  hewers  on  the 
mountains  and  in  the  quarries,  and  seventy  thousand 
Entered  Apprentices,  or  bearers  of  burdens. 


The  Three  Steps , 

Usually  delineated  upon  the  master’s  carpet,  are  em¬ 
blematical  of  the  three  principal  stages  of  human  life, 
viz.  youth,  manhood,  and  age.  In  youth,  as  entered 


apprentices,  we  ought  industriously  to  occupy  our  minds 
in  the  attainment  of  useful  knowledge ;  in  manhood,  as 
fellow  crafts,  we  should  apply  our  knowledge  to  the  dis¬ 
charge  of  our  respective  duties  to  God,  our  neighbours, 
and  ourselves ;  that  so,  in  age,  as  Master  Masons,  we 
may  enjoy  the  happy  reflections  consequent  on  a  well- 
spent  life,  and  die  in  the  hope  of  a  glorious  immortality. 

The  Pot  of  Incense 

Is  an  emblem  of  a  pure  heart,  which  is  always  an 
acceptable  sacrifice  to  the  Deity ;  and,  as  this  glows 
with  fervent  heat,  so  should  our  hearts  continually  glow 


MASTER  MASON. 


55 


with  gratitude  to  the  great  beneficent  Author  of  our 
existence  for  the  manifold  blessings  and  comforts  wo 
enjoy. 


The  Bee  Hive 

Is  an  emblem  of  industry,  and  recommends  the  prac¬ 
tice  of  that  virtue  to  all  created  beings,  from  the  highest 
seraph  in  heaven  to  the  lowest  reptile  of  the  dust.  It 
teaches  us,  that  as  we  came  into  the  world  rational  and 
intelligent  beings,  so  we  should  ever  be  industrious  ones, 
never  sitting  down  contented  while  our  fellow  creatures 
around  us  are  in  want,  when  it  is  in  our  power  to  relieve 
them  without  inconvenience  to  ourselves. 

When  we  take  a  survey  of  nature,  we  view  man,  in 
his  infancy,  more  helpless  and  indigent  than  the  brutal 
creation.  He  lies  languishing  for  days,  months,  and 
years,  totally  incapable  of  providing  sustenance  for  him¬ 
self,  of  guarding  against  the  attack  of  the  wild  beasts 
of  the  field,  or  sheltering  himself  from  the  inclemencies 
of  the  weather.  It  might  have  pleased  the  great  Crea¬ 
tor  of  heaven  and  earth  to  have  made  man  independent 
of  all  other  beings ;  but,  as  dependence  is  one  of  the 


56 


MASTER  MASON. 


strongest  bonds  of  society,  mankind  were  made  depend¬ 
ent  on  each  other  for  protection  and  security,  as  they 
thereby  enjoy  better  opportunities  of  fulfilling  the  duties 
of  reciprocal  love  and  friendship.  Thus  was  man  formed 
for  social  and  active  life,  the  noblest  part  of  the  work 
of  God ;  and  he  that  will  so  demean  himself,  as  not  to 
be  endeavouring  to  add  to  the  common  stock  of  know¬ 
ledge  and  understanding,  may  be  deemed  a  drone  in  the 
hive  of  nature,  a  useless  member  of  society,  and  un¬ 
worthy  of  our  protection  as  Masons. 


The  Book  of  Constitutions ,  guarded  by  the  Tyler's 

Sword , 


Reminds  us  that  we  should  be  ever  watchful  and 
guarded  in  our  words  and  actions,  particularly  when 
before  the  enemies  of  Masonry,  ever  bearing  in  remem¬ 
brance  those  truly  Masonic  virtues,  silence  and  circum¬ 
spection. 

The  Sivord ,  pointing  to  a  Naked  Heart , 

Demonstrates  that  justice  will  sooner  or  later  over¬ 
take  us ;  and  although  our  thoughts,  words,  and  actions 
may  be  hidden  from  the  eyes  of  men,  yet  that 


MASTER  MASON. 


57 


All-Seeing  Eye, 


Whom  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  obey,  and  under 
whose  watchful  care  even  comets  perform  tlieir  stupen¬ 
dous  revolutions,  pervades  the  inmost  recesses  of  the 
human  heart,  and  will  reward  us  according  to  our  merits. 


The  Anchor  and  Ark 


Are  emblems  of  a  well-grounded  hope,  and  a  well- 
snent  life.  They  are  emblematical  of  that  divine  Ark 


58 


MASTER  MASON. 


which  safely  wafts  us  over  this  tempestuous  sea  of 
troubles,  and  that  Anchor  which  shall  safely  moor  us  in 
a  peaceful  harbor,  where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 
and  the  weary  shall  find  rest. 

The  Forty-Seventh  Problem  of  Fuclid. 

This  was  an  invention  of  our  brother,  the  great  Pytha« 
goras,  who,  in  his  travels  through  Asia,  Africa,  and 
Europe,  was  initiated  into  several  orders,  and  raised  to 
the  sublime  degree  of  a  Master  Mason,  This  wise  phi¬ 
losopher  enriched  his  mind  with  general  knowledge, 
especially  with  Masonry  and  Geometry.  He  invented 
many  problems  and  theorems,  and  when,  after  much 
labour,  he  discovered  this  one,  in  the  joy  of  his  heart, 
he  called  Erp^xa,  (Eureka,)  in  the  Grecian  language,  sig¬ 
nifying,  I  have  found  it.  Upon  the  discovery  he  is 
said  to  have  sacrificed  a  hecatomb.  It  teaches  Masons 
to  be  general  lovers  of  the  arts  and  sciences. 


The  Hour  Glass 


Is  an  emblem  of  human  life.  Behold !  how  swiftly 
the  sands  run,  and  how  rapidly  our  lives  are  drawing  tc 


MASTER  MASON. 


59 


a  close !  We  cannot  without  astonishment  behold  the 
little  particles  which  are  contained  in  this  machine ! 
How  they  pass  away  almost  imperceptibly !  and  yet,  to 
our  surprise,  in  the  short  space  of  an  hour  they  are  all 
exhausted.  Thus  wastes  man  !  “  To-day,  he  puts  forth 
the  tender  leaves  of  hope;  to-morrow,  blossoms,  and 
bears  his  blushing  honours  thick  upon  him ;  the  next 
day  comes  a  frost,  which  nips  the  shoot ;  and  when  he 
thinks  his  greatness  is  still  aspiring,  he  falls,  like  autumn 
leaves,  to  enrich  our  mother  earth.” 


The  Scythe 

Is  an  emblem  of  time,  which  cuts  the  brittle  thread 
of  life,  and  launches  us  into  eternity.  Behold  what 
havoc  the  scythe  of  time  makes  among  the  human  race  ! 
If  by  chance  we  should  escape  the  numerous  evils  inci¬ 
dent  to  childhood  and  youth,  and  with  health  and  vigour 
arrive  to  the  years  of  manhood,  yet  withal  we  must  soon 
be  cut  down  by  the  all-devouring  scythe  of  time,  and  be 
gathered  into  the  land  where  our  fathers  have  gone 
before  us. 


GO 


M  ASTER  MASON. 


These  beautiful  and  expressive  emblems  thus  close 
with  the  solemn  realities  of  death,  “  the  deep,  damp 
vault,  the  mattock  and  the  grave.”  These  are  sad  and 
gloomy  considerations  to  our  race,  and  even  the  animal 
creation  shrinks  back  with  horror  from  the  thought  of 
death.  But  to  the  Christian,  the  coldness  and  darkness 
of  the  tomb  are  hidden  by  the  evergreens  of  faith  and 
hope,  which  spring  forth  from  the  root  of  Jesse,  who 
was  cut  down  in  the  midst  of  his  days,  but  from  whose 
resurrection  we  derive  glorious  evidences  of  a  blessed 
immortality.  If,  like  our  great  pattern  and  exemplar, 
we  are  faithful  to  our  trusts,  violence  may  assail,  but 
cannot  destroy  us ;  Death  will  no  longer  be  a  tyrant, 
but  a  Tyler  to  usher  us  into  the  presence  of  our  Su¬ 
preme  Grand  Master,  who  presides  in  the  Lodge  above. 


CHARGE  AT  RAISING  TO  THE  SUBLIME  DEGREE  OF  MASTER 

MASON. 

Brother — Your  zeal  for  the  institution  of  Masonry, 
the  progress  you  have  made  in  the  mystery,  and  your 
conformity  to  our  regulations,  have  pointed  you  out  as 
a  proper  object  of  our  favour  and  esteem.  You  are  now 
bound  by  duty,  honour,  and  gratitude,  to  be  faithful  to 
your  trust ;  to  support  the  dignity  of  your  character  on 
every  occasion,  and  to  enforce,  by  precept  and  example, 
obedience  to  the  tenets  of  the  order. 

In  the  character  of  a  Master  Mason,  you  are  author¬ 
ized  to  correct  the  errors  and  irregularities  of  your 
uninformed  brethren,  and  to  guard  them  against  a  breach 


6 


62 


MASTER  MASON. 


of  fidelity.  To  preserve  the  reputation  of  the  fraternity 
unsullied  must  be  your  constant  care ;  and  for  this  pur¬ 
pose,  it  is  your  province  to  recommend  to  your  inferiors 
obedience  and  submission ;  to  your  equals,  courtesy  and 
affability ;  to  your  superiors,  kindness  and  condescension. 
Universal  benevolence  you  are  always  to  inculcate ;  and 
by  the  regularity  of  your  own  behaviour,  afford  the  best 
example  for  the  conduct  of  others  less  informed.  The 
ancient  landmarks  of  the  Order,  entrusted  to  your  care, 
you  are  carefully  to  preserve,  and  never  suffer  them  to 
be  infringed,  or  countenance  a  deviation  from  the  estab¬ 
lished  usages  and  customs  of  the  fraternity. 

Your  virtue,  honour,  and  reputation,  are  concerned 
in  supporting  with  dignity  the  character  you«now  bear. 
Let  no  motive,  therefore,  make  you  swerve  from  your 
duty,  violate  your  vows,  or  betray  your  trust,  but  be 
true  and  faithful,  and  imitate  the  example  of  that  cele¬ 
brated  artist  whom  you  this  evening  represent.  Thus 
you  will  render  yourself  deserving  of  the  honour  which 
we  have  conferred,  and  merit  the  confidence  that  we 
have  reposed. 


King  Solomon's  Temjple. 

The  Craft  are  justly  proud  of  the  honour  reflected 
upon  their  ancient  operative  brethren,  by  the  manner  in 
which  they  discharged  their  several  duties  in  the  erec¬ 
tion  of  this  great  andx  magnificent  building,  as  well  as 
the  wisdom  in  counsels,  strength  in  friendship,  beauty 
in  arrangement,  and  method  and  execution  of  design, 
which  adorned  their  three  ancient  Grand  Masters. 

The  construction  of  this  grand  edifice  was  attended 
with  two  remarkable  circumstances.  From  Josephus 


MASTER  MASON. 


63 


we  learn,  that  although  seven  years  were  occupied  in 
building  it,  yet  during  the  whole  term  it  rained  not  in 
the  day  time,  that  the  workmen  might  not  be  obstructed 
in  their  labour ;  and  from  sacred  history  it  appears  that 
there  was  neither  the  sound  of  the  hammer,  nor  axe,  nor 
any  tool  of  iron,  heard  in  the  house  while  it  was  building. 

The  vast  numbers  of  operatives  employed  in  its  erec¬ 
tion  were  classed  and  arranged  in  such  a  manner,  by 
the  wisdom  of  Solomon,  that  neither  envy,  discord,  nor 
confusion  was  suffered  to  interrupt  that  universal  peace 
and  tranquillity,  which  pervaded  the  world  at  this 
important  period. 

Age  succeeded  age,  other  buildings  crumbled  to  decay, 
empires  rose  and  fell,  yet  this  temple  remained  un¬ 
changed  amid  the  convulsions  of  centuries,  until  the 
people  neglected  the  use  of  the  plumb,  the  square,  and 
the  trowel,  and  they  and  their  work  were  rejected  by 
their  Grand  Master,  and  their  temple  destroyed.  So 
also  shall  Masons  perish,  but  only  when  and  where  the 
Craftsman  slights  his  work. 


3 


' 


.'t  . 

• :  *  ■  . 


■ 


FOURTH  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


MARK  MASTER. 


I  have  not  found  thy  works  perfect.” — Rev.  iii.  2. 


At  the  building  of  King  Solomon’s  temple,  each 
craftsman  was  distinguished  by  means  of  a  very  inge¬ 
nious  arrangement  made  by  the  Grand  Senior  Warden; 
and  if  defective  work  was  brought  up  to  the  overseers, 
they  were,  by  the  same  means,  enabled  to  ascertain  who 
was  the  faulty  workman.  The  industrious  and  faithful 
craftsman  was  thereby  shielded  from  suffering  in  the 
faults  of  the  careless.  This  degree  perpetuates  the 
memorial  of  these  arrangements. 

CHARGE  TO  BE  READ  AT  OPENING. 

“  Wherefore,  brethren,  lay  aside  all  malice,  and 
guile,  and  hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and  all  evil 
speakings.  If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord 
is  gracious ;  to  whom  coming,  as  unto  a  living 
stone,  disallowed  indeed  of  men,  but  chosen  of 
God,  and  precious ;  ye  also,  as  living  stones,  be  ye 
built  up  a  spiritual  house,  an  holy  priesthood,  to 

offer  up  sacrifices  acceptable  to  God. 

6* 


(65  ) 


66 


MARK  MASTER 


Brethren,  this  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with 
well-doing  ye  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish 
men.  As  free,  and  not  as  using  your  liberty  for 
a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  servants 
of  God.  Honour  all  men,  love  the  brotherhood, 
fear  God.” 

SECTION  FIRST. 

Here  are  explained  the  opening  ceremonials.  The 
craftsman  is  taught  the  importance  of  skilful  and 
honest  industry ;  he  learns  also  the  value  of  method 
and  system  in  conducting  all  grgat  enterprises.  A  beau¬ 
tiful  allusion  is  made  to  one  of  the  principal  circum 
stances  from  which  the  degree  originated. 


SECTION  SECOND. 

The  peculiar  features  of  this  section  are  calculated  to 
make  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  upon  the  Mark 
Master.  He  is  here  made  sensible  of  his  obligations  to 


MARK  MASTER. 


67 


the  fraternity  in  a  manner  which  increases  his  respect 
and  admiration  for  the  institution. 


The  following  texts  of  Scripture  are  introduced  and 
explained. 

“  When  thou  doest  alms,  let  not  thy  left  hand 
know  what  thy  right  hand  doeth.” — Matt.  vi.  3. 

Psalm  cxviii.  22. 

“  The  stone  which  the  builders  refused  is  be¬ 
come  the  head  stone  of  the  corner.”  —  Matt. 
xxi.  42.  “  Did  ye  never  read  in  the  Scriptures, 

The  stone  which  the  builders  rejected  is  become 
the  head  of  the  corner  ?” — Mark  xii.  10.  “  And 

have  you  not  read  this  Scripture,  The  stone  which 
the  builders  rejected  is  become  the  head  of  the 


68 


MARK  MASTER. 


corner?’5  —  Luke  xx.  17.  “What  is  this,  then, 
that  is  written,  The  stone  which  the  builders  re* 
jected  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner.” 

“  This  is  the  stone  which  was  set  at  nought  of 
you,  builders,  which  is  become  the  head  of  the 
corner.” — Acts  iv.  11. 

“  To  him  that  overcometh,  will  I  give  to  eat  of 
the  hidden  manna ;  and  I  will  give  him  a  white 
stone,  and  in  the  stone  a  new  name  written,  which 
no  man  knoweth,  saving  he  that  receiveth  it.” — 
Rev.  ii.  17. 

“  He  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear  let  him  hear.” — 
Rev.  iii.  13. 

“And  we  will  cut  wood  out  of  Lebanon,  as 
much  as  thou  shalt  need ;  and  we  will  bring  it  to 
thee  in  floats  by  sea  to  Joppa,  and  thou  shalt  carry 
it  up  to  Jerusalem.” — 2  Chron.  ii.  16. 

“  Then  he  brought  me  back  the  way  of  the  gate 
of  the  outward  sanctuary,  which  looketh  toward 
the  east,  and  it  was  shut.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  me,  Son  of  man,  mark  well,  and  behold  with 
thine  eyes,  and  hear  with  thine  ears,  all  that  I  say 
unto  thee,  concerning  all  the  ordinances  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  laws  thereof ;  and 
mark  well  the  entering  in  of  the  house,  with  every 
going  forth  of  the  sanctuary.” — Ezekiel  xliv.  1,  5, 


% 


MARK  MASTER. 


69 


The  working  tools  of  a  Mark  Master  are  the  chisel 
and  mallet. 


The  Chisel 

Morally  demonstrates  the  advantages  of  discipline  and 
education.  The  mind,  like  the  diamond,  in  its  original 
state  is  rude  and  unpolished;  hut  as  the  effect  of  the 
chisel  on  the  external  coat  soon  presents  to  view  the 
latent  beauties  of  the  diamond,  so  education  discovers 
the  latent  virtues  of  the  mind,  and  draws  them  forth  to 
range  the  large  field  of  matter  and  space,  to  display  the 
summit  of  human  knowledge — our  duty  to  God  and  to 
man. 

The  Mallet 


Morally  teaches  to  correct  irregularities,  and  reduce 
man  to  a  proper  level ;  so  that,  by  quiet  deportment,  he 
may,  in  the  school  of  discipline,  learn  to  be  content. 
What  the  mallet  is  to  the  workman,  enlightened  reason 
is  to  the  passions ;  it  curbs  ambition,  it  depresses  envy, 
it  moderates  anger,  and  it  encourages  good  dispositions ; 
whence  arises  among  good  Masons  that  comely  order, 

“  Which  nothing  earthly  gives,  or  can  destroy, 

The  soul’s  calm  sunshine,  and  the  heart-felt  joy.” 


70 


MARK  MASTER. 


CHARGE  TO  BE  DELIVERED  WHEN  A  CANDIDATE  IS  AD¬ 
VANCED  TO  THE  DEGREE  OE  MARK  MASTER. 

Brother — I  congratulate  you  on  having  been  thought 
Worthy  of  being  advanced  to  this  honourable  degree  of 
Masonry.  Permit  me  to  impress  it  on  your  mind,  that 
your  assiduity  should  ever  be  commensurate  with  your 
duties,  which  become  more  and  more  extensive  as  you 
advance  in  Masonry.  In  the  honourable  character  of 
Mark  blaster  Mason,  it  is  more  particularly  your  duty  to 
endeavour  to  let  your  conduct  in  the  Lodge,  and  among 
your  brethren,  be  such  as  may  stand  the  test  of  the 
Grand  Overseer’s  square,  that  you  may  not,  like  the 
unfinished  and  imperfect  work  of  the  negligent  and  un¬ 
faithful  of  former  times,  be  rejected  and  thrown  aside, 
as  unfit  for  that  spiritual  building,  that  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

While  such  is  your  conduct,  should  misfortunes  assail 
you,  should  friends  forsake  you,  should  envy  traduce 
your  good  name,  and  malice  persecute  you,  yet  may 
you  have  confidence,  that  among  Mark  Master  Masons 
you  will  find  friends  who  will  administer  relief  to  your 
distresses,  and  comfort  your  afflictions ;  ever  bearing  in 
mind,  as  a  consolation  under  all  the  frowns  of  fortune, 
and  as  an  encouragement  to  hope  for  better  prospects, 
that  the  stone  which  the  builders  rejected,  [possessing 
merits  to  them  unknown,]  became  the  chief  stone  of  the 
corner. 

(A  song  suitable  to  the  closing  ceremonies  of  this 
degree  will  be  found  in  Part  III.  No.  4.) 


MARK  MASTER. 


71 


Previous  to  closing  the  following  parable  is  recited : 

66  For  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man 
that  is  an  householder,  which  went  out  early  in 
the  morning  to  hire  labourers  into  his  vineyard. 
And  when  he  had  agreed  with  the  labourers  for  a 
penny  a  day,  he  sent  them  into  his  vineyard.  And 
he  went  out  about  the  third  hour,  and  saw  others 
standing  idle  in  the  market  place,  and  said  unto 
them,  Go  ye  also  into  the  vineyard,  and  whatso- 
.  ever  is  right  I  will  give  you.  And  they  went  their 
way.  And  again  he  went  out  about  the  sixth  and 
ninth  hour,  and  did  likewise.  And  -about  the 
eleventh  hour  he  went  out  and  found  others 
standing  idle,  and  saith  unto  them,  Why  stand  ye 
here  all  the  day  idle  ?  They  say  unto  him,  Be¬ 
cause  no  man  hath  hired  us.  He  saith  unto  them, 
Go  ye  also  into  the  vineyard,  and  whatsoever  is 
right,  that  shall  ye  receive.  So,  when  even  was 
come,  the  lord  of  the  vineyard  saith  unto  his 
steward,  Call  the  labourers,  and  give  them  their 
hire,  beginning  from  the  last  unto  the  first.  And 
when  they  came,  that  were  hired  about  the 
eleventh  hour,  they  received  every  man  a  penny. 
But  when  the  first  came,  they  supposed  that  they 
should  have  received  more,  and  they  likewise  re¬ 
ceived  every  man  a  penny.  And  when  they 
received  it,  they  murmured  against  the  good  man 
of  the  house,  saying,  These  last  have  wrought  but 


72 


MARK  MASTER. 


one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them  equal  unto  us, 
which  have  borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day. 
But  he  answered  one  of  them,  and  said,  Friend.  I 
do  thee  no  wrong ;  didst  thou  not  agree  with  me 
for  a  penny?  Take  that  thine  is,  and  go  thy 
way;  I  will  give  unto  this  last  even  as  unto  thee. 
Is  it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  what  I  will  with  my 
own  ?  Is  thine  eye  evil  because  I  am  good  ?  So 
the  last  shall  he  first,  and  the  first  last;  for  many 
be  called,  but  few  chosen. — Matt.  xx.  1 — 16. 


FIFTH  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


“  Suaviter  in  modo  ;  fortiter  in  re.” 


“  Put  them  in  mind  to  be  subject  to  principalities  and  powers.'  — 
Titus  iii.  1. 

“  Let  everything  be  done  decently  and  in  order.” — 1  Cor.  xiv.  40 


This  degree  inculcates  the  theory  and  practice  of 
government,  the  qualifications  of  rulers,  and  the  neces¬ 
sity  of  blending  sweetness  of  manner  with  firmness  of 
principle.  Here  are  set  forth  all  the  ancient  ceremonies 
of  the  Order,  for  all  occasions  of  public  and  private 
assemblage. 


SECTION  FIRST. 

Forms  of  petition  for  letters  of  dispensation;*  war¬ 
rants  constituting  a  Lodge,  and  empowering  them  to 
work ;  ceremonies  of  Constitution  and  Consecration ; 
and  order  of  processions,  are  here  considered. 


7 


(  73  ) 


74 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


75 


Form  of  Petition  for  a  Charter  or  Warrant  to  establish 

a  new  Lodge. 

To  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State 

of  — - ,  the  petitioners  humbly  show,  that  they  are 

ancient,  free  and  accepted  Master  Masons.  Having  the 
prosperity  of  the  Fraternity  at  heart,  they  are  willing 
to  exert  their  best  endeavours  to  promote  and  diffuse  the 
genuine  principles  of  Masonry. 

For  the  convenience  of  their  respective  dwellings,  and 
for  other  good  reasons,  they  are  desirous  of  forming  a 

new  Lodge  in  the  town  of - ,  to  he  named - . 

In  consequence  of  this  desire,  and  for  the  good  of  the 
craft,  they  pray  for  a  Charter,  or  Warrant,  to  empower 
them  to  assemble  as  a  legal  Lodge,  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  Masonry,  in  the  several  degrees  of  Entered 
Apprentice,  Fellow  Craft,  and  Master  Mason,  in  a  regu¬ 
lar  and  constitutional  manner,  according  to  the  ancient 
form  of  the  fraternity,  and  the  laws  and  regulations  of 
the  Grand  Lodge.  That  they  have  nominated  and  do 
recommend  A.  B.  to  be  the  first  master,  C.  D.  to  be  the 
first  Senior  Warden,  and  E.  F.  to  be  the  first  Junior 
Warden  of  said  Lodge ;  that,  if  the  prayer  of  the  peti¬ 
tion  should  be  granted,  they  promise  a  strict  conformity 
to  all  the  constitutional  laws,  rules,  and  regulations  of 
the  Grand  Lodge. 

This  petition  must  be  signed  by  at  least  seven  regular 
Masons,  and  recommended  by  some  Lodge  contiguous  to 
the  place  where  the  new  Lodge  is  to  be  held.  It  must 
be  delivered  to  the  Grand  Secretary,  whose  duty  it  is  to 
lay  it  before  the  Grand  Lodge. 


7G 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


After  a  charter  is  granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  the 
Grand  Master  appoints  a  day  and  hour  for  constituting 
and  consecrating  the  new  Lodge,  and  for  installing  the 
Master,  AVardens,  and  other  officers.  The  Grand  Mas¬ 
ter  has  power  to  appoint  some  worthy  Past  Master,  with 
full  power  to  consecrate,  constitute,  and  install  the 
petitioners. 


Ceremony  of  Constitution  and  Consecration. 

On  the  day  and  hour  appointed,  the  Grand  Master 
and  his  officers  meet  in  a  convenient  room  near  to  the 
Lodge  to  be  constituted,  and  open  in  the  third  degree. 
After  the  officers  in  the  new  Lodge  are  examined,  they 
send  a  messenger  to  the  Grand  Master,  with  the  following 
message,  viz. 

Most  Worshipful, 

The  officers  and  brethren  of - Lodge,  who  are 

now  assembled  at - ,  have  instructed  me  to  inform 

you,  that  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  was  pleased 
to  grant  them  a  Charter,  authorizing  them  to  form  and 
open  a  Lodge  of  free  and  accepted  Masons  in  the  town 

of - :  They  are  now  desirous  that  their  Lodge 

should  be  consecrated,  and  their  officers  installed  in  due 
and  ancient  form ;  for  which  purpose  they  are  now  met, 
and  await  the  pleasure  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Master. 

When  notice  is  given,  the  Grand  Lodge  walk  in  pro¬ 
cession  to  the  hall  of  the  new  Lodge.  When  the  Grand 
Master  enters,  the  grand  honours  are  given  by  the  new 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER.  77 

Lodge;  the  officers  of  which  resign  their  seats  to  the 
grand  officers,  and  take  their  several  stations  on  the  left. 

The  necessary  cautions  are  given ;  and  all,  excepting 
Present  or  Past  Masters  of  Lodges,  are  requested  to 
retire  until  the  Master  of  the  new  Lodge  is  inducted 
into  the  Oriental  Chair  of  Solomon.  He  is  then  bound 
to  the  faithful  performance  of  his  trust,  and  invested 
with  the  characteristics  of  the  chair. 

Upon  due  notice,  the  Grand  Marshal  re-conducts  the 
brethren  into  the  hall ;  and  all  take  their  places,  except 
the  members  of  the  new  Lodge,  who  form  a  procession 
on  one  side  of  the  hall.  As  they  advance,  the  Grand 
Master  addresses  them : 

“  Brethren ,  behold  your  Master  /” 

They  make  the  proper  salutations  as  they  pass. 

A  grand  procession  is  then  formed  in  the  following 
order:  viz. 


Tyler  with  a  drawn  Sword ; 
Two  Stewards  with  white  Hods ; 
Entered  Apprentices ; 
Eellow  Crafts; 

Master  Masons ; 
m  Stewards ; 

Junior  Deacons ; 

OQ  7 

3  Senior  Deacons ; 

^  Secretaries ; 

Treasurers ; 

Past  Wardens ; 

Junior  Wardens ; 

Senior  Wardens.; 

Past  Masters ; 


7* 


78  PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTERS, 

Mark  Masters ; 

Royal  Arcli  Masters ; 

Select  Masters ; 

Knights  Templars ; 

Masters  of  Lodges. 

The  New  Lodge. 

Tyler  with  a  drawn  Sword ; 

Stewards  with  white  Rods  ; 

Entered  Apprentices ; 

F ellow  Crafts ; 

Master  Masons ; 

Junior  and  Senior  Deacons  ; 

Secretary  and  Treasurer  ; 

Two  Brethren,  carrying  the  flooring,*  or  Lodge ; 

Junior  and  Senior  Wardens; 

The  Holy  Writings,  carried  by  the  oldest  or  some 
suitable  member,  not  in  office ; 

The  W.  Master ; 

Music. 

The  G-rand  Ijodge. 

Grand  Tyler  with  drawn  Sword ; 

Grand  Stewards  with  white  Rods ; 

A  Brother  carrying  a  Golden  Vessel  of  Corn;f 
Two  Brethren,  carrying  the  Silver  Vessels,  one  of 
Wine,  the  other  of  Oil ; 

Grand  Secretaries ; 

Grand  Treasurers ; 

A  burning  Taper,  borne  by  a  Past  Master ; 


*  Carpet: 


f  Wheat. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


79 


A  Past  Master  bearing  the  Holy  Writings,  Square 
and  Compasses,  supported  by  two  Stewards 
with  white  Rods ; 

Two  burning  Tapers,  borne  by  two  Past  Masters ; 
The  Tuscan  and  Composite  Orders ; 

The  Doric,  Ionic,  and  Corinthian  Orders; 

Past  Grand  Wardens; 

Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters ; 

Past  Grand  Masters ; 

The  Globes ; 

Clergy  and  Orator  ; 

It.  W.  Junior  and  Senior  Grand  Wardens  ; 

R.  W.  Deputy  Grand  Master ; 

The  Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge,  carrying  the  Book 

of  Constitutions ; 

-  The  M.  W.  Grand  Master ; 

The  Grand  Deacons,  on  a  line  seven  feet  apart,  on 
the  right  and  left  of  the  Grand  Master, 
with  black  Rods ; 

Grand  Sword  Bearer,  with  a  drawn  Sword; 

Two  Stewards  with  white  Rods. 

The  Marshals  conduct  the  procession  to  the  church, 
or  house,  where  the  services  are  to  be  performed.  When 
the  front  of  the  procession  arrives  at  the  door  they  halt, 
open  to  the  right  and  left,  and  face  inward ;  while  the 
Grand  Master  and  others,  in  succession,  pass  through 
and  enter  the  house. 

A  platform  is  erected  in  front  of  the  pulpit,  and  pro¬ 
vided  with  seats  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Grand 
Officers. 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square,  and  Compasses,  and  Book 


80 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


of  Constitutions,  are  placed  upon  a  table  in  front  of  the 
Grand  Master ;  the  flooring  is  then  spread  in  the  centre, 
upon  the  platform,  covered  with  white  satin  or  linen, 
and  encompassed  by  the  three  tapers,  and  the  vessels 
of  corn,  wine,  and  oil. 


SERVICES. 

1.  A  piece  of  Music. 

2.  Prayer. 

3.  An  Oration. 

4.  A  piece  of  Music. 

5.  The  Grand  Marshal  forms  the  officers  and  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  new  Lodge  in  front  of  the  Grand  Master. 
The  Deputy  Grand  Master  addresses  the  Grand  Master 
as  follows : 

Most  Worshipful, 

A  number  of  brethren,  duly  instructed  in  the  myste¬ 
ries  of  Masonry,  having  assembled  together  at  stated 
periods,  by  virtue  of  a  dispensation  granted  them  for 
that  purpose,  do  now  desire  to  be  constituted  into  a 
regular  Lodge,  agreeably  to  the  ancient  usages  and  cus¬ 
toms  of  the  fraternity. 

The  dispensation  and  records  are  presented  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  examines  the  records,  and,  if  found 
correct,  proclaims : 

The  records  appear  to  be  correct,  and  are  approved. 
Upon  due  deliberation,  the  Grand  Lodge  have  granted 
the  brethren  of  this  new  Lodge  a  charter,  establishing 
and  confirming  them  in  the  rights  and  privileges  of  a 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


81 


regularly  constituted  Lodge,  which  the  Grand  Secretary 
will  now  read. 

After  the  charter  is  read,  the  Grand  Master  then 
says : 

We  shall  now  proceed,  according  to  ancient  usage,  to 
constitute  these  brethren  into  a  regular  Lodge. 

Whereupon  the  several  officers  of  the  new  Lodgo 
deliver  up  their  jewels  and  badges  to  their  Master,  who 
presents  them,  with  his  own,  to  the  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  and  he  to  the  Grand  Master. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  presents  the  Master  elect 
to  the  Grand  Master,  saying : 

Most  Worshipful, 

I  present  you  Brother - ,  whom  the  members  of 

the  Lodge,  now  to  be  constituted,  have  chosen  for  their 
Master. 

The  Grand  Master  asks  them  if  they  remain  satisfied 
with  their  choice.  [ They  bow  in  token  of  assent. ] 

The  Master  elect  then  presents,  severally,  his  War¬ 
dens  and  other  officers,  naming  them  and  their  respective 
offices.  The  Grand  Master  asks  the  brethren  if  they 
remain  satisfied  with  each  and  all  of  them.  [ They  bow 
as  before.~\ 

The  officers  and  members  of  the  new  Lodge  form  in 
front  of  the  Grand  Master,  and  the  business  of  Conse¬ 
cration  commences  with  solemn  music. 


82 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


6.  Ceremony  of  Consecration. 

The  Grand  Master,  attended  by  the  Grand  Officers 
and  the  Grand  Chaplain,  form  themselves  in  order  round 
the  Lodge,  all  devoutly  kneeling. 

7.  A  piece  of  solemn  music  is  performed  while  the 
Lodge  is  uncovered. 

After  which  the  first  clause  of  the  Consecration 
Prayer  is  rehearsed,  which  is  as  follows : 

“  Great  Architect  of  the  universe !  Maker  and  Ruler 
of  all  worlds !  deign,  from  thy  celestial  temple,  from 
realms  of  light  and  glory,  to  bless  us  in  all  the  purposes 
of  our  present  assembly!  We  humbly  invoke  thee  to 
give  us  at  this,  and  at  all  times,  wisdom  in  all  our  doings, 
strength  of  mind  in  all  our  difficulties,  and  the  beauty 
of  harmony  in  all  our  communications !  Permit  us,  0 
thou  Author  of  light  and  life,  great  Source  of  love  and 
happiness,  to  erect  this  Lodge,  and  now  solemnly  to  con¬ 
secrate  it  to  the  honour  of  thy  glory ! 

“  Glory  be  to  God  on  high  !” 

[Response  by  the  brethren.] 

“  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be,  world  without  end.  Amen.” 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  takes  the  Golden  Vessel 
of  Corn,  and  the  Senior  and  Junior  Grand  Wardens 
take  the  Silver  Vessels  of  Wine  and  Oil,  and  sprinkle 
the  elements  of  consecration  upon  the  Lodge. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


83 


The  Grand  Chaplain  then  continues : 

“  Grant,  0  Lord  our  God,  that  those  who  are  now 
about  to  be  invested  with  the  government  of  this  Lodge, 
may  be  endued  with  wisdom  to  instruct  their  brethren  in 
all  their  duties.  May  brotherly  love,  relief,  and  truth, 
always  prevail  among  the  members  of  this  Lodge ;  and 
may  this  bond  of  union  continue  to  strengthen  the 
Lodges  throughout  the  world  ! 

“  Bless  all  our  brethren,  wherever  dispersed ;  and 
grant  speedy  relief  to  all  wdio  are  either  oppressed  or 
distressed. 

“We  affectionately  commend  to  thee  all  the  members 
of  thy  whole  family.  May  they  increase  in  grace,  in 
the  knovdedge  of  thee,  and  in  the  love  of  each  other. 

“Finally:  may  we  finish  all  our  work  here  below* 
wTith  thy  approbation,  and  then  have  our  transition  from 
this  earthly  abode  to  thy  heavenly  temple  above,  there 
to  enjoy  light,  glory,  and  bliss,  ineffable  and  eternal  ! 

“  Glory  be  to  God  on  high.” 

[Response  by  the  brethren.] 

“  As  it  w*as  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be.  So  mote  it  be.  Amen.” 

8.  A  piece  of  solemn  music  is  performed  while  the 
Lodge  is  covered. 

9.  The  Grand  Chaplain  then  dedicates  the  Lodge  in 
the  following  terms  : 

“  To  the  memory  of  the  HOLY  STS.  JOHN  we  dedi¬ 
cate  this  Lodge.  May  every  brother  revere  their  char 
acters  and  imitate  their  virtues.  ' 

“  Glory  be  to  God  on  high.” 


84 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


[Response.] 

“  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be,  world  without  end.  So  mote  it  be.  Amen.” 

10.  A  piece  of  music  is  performed,  while  the  brethren 
of  the  new  Lodge  advance  in  procession  to  salute  the 
Grand  Lodge,  with  their  hands  crossed  upon  their 
breasts,  and  bowing  as  they  pass.  They  then  take  their 
places  as  they  were. 

11.  The  Grand  Master  then  rises,  and  constitutes  the 
new  Lodge  in  the  form  following : 

“In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge, 
I  now  constitute  and  form  you,  my  good  brethren, 
into  a  regular  Lodge  of  free  and  accepted  Masons. 
From  henceforth  I  empower  you  to  meet  as  a  regular 
Lodge,  constituted  in  conformity  to  the  rites  of  our 
Order,  and  the  charges  of  our  ancient  and  honourable 
fraternity ;  —  and  may  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the 
universe  prosper,  direct,  and  counsel  you  in  all  your 
doings. 

“  So  mote  it  be.  Amen.” 

Response. 


SECTION  SECOND. 

Ceremony  of  Installation. 

The  Grand  Master,  or  presiding  officer,  addresses  the 
Master  elect  in  the  words  following,  viz. 

Brother, — Previous  to  your  investiture,  it  is  neces¬ 
sary  that  you  should  signify  your  assent  to  those  ancient 
charges  and  regulations  which  point  out  the  duty  of  a 
Master  of  a  Lodge. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


85 


I.  You  agree  to  be  a  good  man  and  true,  and  strictly 
to  obey  the  moral  law. 

II.  You  agree  to  be  a  peaceable  subject,  and  cheer¬ 
fully  to  conform  to  the  laws  of  the  country  in  which  you 
reside. 

III.  You  promise  not  to  be  concerned  in  plots  and 
conspiracies  against  government,  but  patiently  to  submit 
to  the  decisions  of  the  supreme  legislature. 

IV.  You  agree  to  pay  a  proper  respect  to  the  civil 
magistrates,  to  work  diligently,  live  creditably,  and  act 
honourably  by  all  men. 

V.  You  agree  to  hold  in  veneration  the  original  rules 
and  patrons  of  the  order  of  Masonry,  and  their  regular 
successors,  supreme  and  subordinate,  according  to  their 
stations;  and  to  submit  to  the  awards  and  resolutions 
of  your  brethren,  when  convened,  in  every  case  con¬ 
sistent  with  the  constitutions  of  the  Order. 

VI.  You  agree  to  avoid  private  piques  and  quarrels, 
and  to  guard  against  intemperance  and  excess. 

VII.  You  agree  to  be  cautious  in  carriage  and  beha¬ 
viour,  courteous  to  your  brethren,  and  faithful  to  your 
Lodge. 

VIII.  You  promise  to  respect  genuine  brethren,  and 
to  discountenance  impostors,  and  all  dissenters  from  the 
original  plan  of  Masonry. 

IX.  You  agree  to  promote  the  general  good  of  society, 
to  cultivate  the  social  virtues,  and  to  propagate  the 
knowledge  of  the  art. 

X.  You  promise  to  pay  homage  to  the  Grand  Master 
for  the  time  being,  and  to  his  officers  when  duly  installed ; 
and  strictly  to  conform  to  every  edict  of  the  Grand 

s 


8G 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


Lodge,  or  general  assembly  of  Masons,  that  is  not  sub¬ 
versive  of  the  principles  and  groundwork  of  Masonry. 

XI.  You  admit  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any 
men,  or  body  of  men,  to  make  innovations  in  the  body 
of  Masonry. 

XII.  You  promise  a  regular  attendance  on  the  com¬ 
mittees  and  communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  on 
receiving  proper  notice,  and  to  pay  attention  to  all  the 
duties  of  Masonry,  on  convenient  occasions. 

XIII.  You  admit  that  no  new  Lodge  shall  be  formed 
without  permission  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  that  no 
countenance  be  given  to  an  irregular  Lodge,  or  to  any 
person  clandestinely  initiated  therein,  being  contrary  to 
the  ancient  charges  of  the  Order. 

XIY.  You  admit  that  no  person  can  be  regularly 
made  a  Mason  in,  or  admitted  a  member  of,  any  regular 
Lodge,  without  previous  notice,  and  due  inquiry  into  his 
character. 

XY.  You  agree  that  no  visitors  shall  be  received  into 
your  Lodge,  without  due  examination,  and  producing 
proper  vouchers  of  their  having  been  initiated  into  a 
regular  Lodge. 

These  are  the  regulations  of  free  and  accepted 
Masons. 

The  presiding  officer  then  addresses  the  Master  as 
follows : 

Do  you  submit  to  these  charges,  and  promise  to  sup¬ 
port  these  regulations,  as  Masters  have  done  in  all  ages 
before  you  ? 

The  Master  is  to  answer,  I  do. 

The  presiding  officer  then  addresses  him : 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


87 


Brother  A.  B. — In  consequence  of  your  cheer¬ 
ful  conformity  to  the  charges  and  regulations  of 
the  Order,  you  are  now  installed  Master  of  this 
new  Lodge,  in  full  confidence  of  your  care,  skill, 
and  capacity  to  govern  the  same. 

[The  new  Master  is  then  regularly  invested  with  the 
insignia  of  his  office,  and  the  furniture  and  implements 
of  his  Lodge.] 

The  various  implements  of  the  profession  are 
emblematical  of  our  conduct  in  life,  and  upon  this 
occasion  are  carefully  enumerated. 

The  Holy  Writings ,  that  great  light  in  Masonry, 
will  guide  you  to  all  truth ;  it  will  direct  your 
path  to  the  temple  of  happiness,  and  point  out  to 
you  the  whole  duty  of  man. 

The  Square  teaches  us  to  regulate  our  actions 
by  rule  and  line,  and  harmonize  our  conduct  by 
the  principles  of  morality  and  virtue. 

The  Compasses  teach  us  to  limit  our  desires  in 
every  station,  that,  rising  to  eminence  by  merit,  we 
may  live  respected,  and  die  regretted. 

The  Rule  directs  that  we  should  punctually  ob¬ 
serve  our  duty ;  press  forward  in  the  path  of  vir¬ 
tue,  and,  neither  inclining  to  the  right  nor  to  the 
left,  in  all  our  actions  have  eternity  in  view. 


88 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


The  Line  teaches  the  criterion  of  moral  recti¬ 
tude,  to  avoid  dissimulation  in  conversation  and 
action,  and  to  direct  our  steps  to  the  path  which 
leads  to  a  glorious  immortality. 

The  Book  of  Constitutions  you  are  to  search  at 
all  times.  Cause  it  to  be  read  in  your  Lodge,  that 
none  may  pretend  ignorance  of  the  excellent  pre¬ 
cepts  it  enjoins. 

You  will  also  receive  in  charge  the  By-laws  of 
your  Lodge,  which  you  are  to  see  carefully  and 
punctually  executed. 


CHARGE  UPON  THE  INSTALLATION  OF  THE  MASTER  OF  A 

LODGE. 

Worshipful  Master: 

Being  appointed  Master  of  this  Lodge,  you  can¬ 
not  be  insensible  of  the  obligations  which  devolve 
on  you  as  their  head ;  nor  of  your  responsibility 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  important  duties 
annexed  to  your  appointment. 

The  honour,  reputation,  and  usefulness  of  your 
Lodge,  will  materially  depend  on  the  skill  and 
assiduity  with  which  you  manage  its  concerns ; 
while  the  happiness  of  its  members  will  be  gene¬ 
rally  promoted,  in  proportion  to  the  zeal  and  ability 
with  which  you  propagate  the  genuine  principles 
of  our  institution. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


89 


For  a  pattern  of  imitation,  consider  the  great 
luminary  of  nature,  which  rising  in  the  East, 
regularly  diffuses  light  and  lustre  to  all  within  its 
circle.  In  like .  manner,  it  is  your  province  to 
spread  and  communicate  light  and  instruction  to 
the  brethren  of  your  Lodge.  Forcibly  impress 
upon  them  the  dignity  and  high  importance  of 
Masonry,  and  seriously  admonish  them  never  to 
disgrace  it.  Charge  them  to  practise  out  of  the 
Lodge  those  duties  which  are  taught  in  it ;  and  by 
amiable,  discreet,  and  virtuous  conduct,  to  con¬ 
vince  mankind  of  the  goodness  of  the  institution, 
so  that  when  any  one  is  said  to  be  a  member  of 
it,  the  wTorld  may  know  that  he  is  one  to  whom 
the  burthened  heart  may  pour  out  its  sorrows  ;  to 
whom  distress  may  prefer  its  suit ;  whose  hand  is 
guided  by  justice,  and  his  heart  expanded  by 
benevolence.  In  short,  by  a  diligent  observance 
of  the  By-laws  of  your  Lodge,  the  constitutions 
of  Masonry,  and,  above  all,  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
which  are  given  as  a  rule  and  guide  to  your  faith, 
you  Avill  be  enabled  to  acquit  yourself  with  honour 
and  reputation,  and  lay  up  a  crown  of  rejoicing, 
which  shall  continue  when  time  shall  be  no  more. 


The  subordinate  officers  are  then  severally  invested 
by  the  presiding  officer,  who  delivers  each  of  them  a 
short  charge,  as  follows,  viz. 

8* 


90 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


The  Senior  Warden. 

Brother - , 

You  are  appointed  Senior  Warden  of  this  Lodge,  and 
are  now  invested  with  the  ensign  of  your  office. 

The  Level  demonstrates  that  we  are  descended  from 
the  same  stock,  partake  of  the  same  nature,  and  share 
the  same  hope ;  and  though  distinctions  among  men  are 
necessary  to  preserve  subordination,  yet  no  eminence  of 
station  should  make  us  forget  that  we  are  brethren. 
He  who  is  placed  on  the  lowest  spoke  of  fortune’s  wheel 
may  be  entitled  to  our  regard,  because  a  time  will  come, 
and  the  wisest  knows  not  how  soon,  when  all  distinction, 
but  that  of  goodness,  shall  cease ;  and  death,  the  grand 
leveller  of  human  greatness,  reduce  us  to  the  same  state. 

Your  regular  attendance  on  our  stated  meetings  is 
essentially  necessary.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master 
you  are  to  govern  this  Lodge ;  in  his  presence  you  are 
to  assist  him  in  its  government.  I  firmly  rely  on 
your  knowledge  of  #  Masonry,  and  attachment  to  the 
Lodge,  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  this 
important  trust. — Look  well  to  the  West! 

The  Junior  Warden. 

Brother - , 

You  are  appointed  Junior  Warden  of  this  Lodge,  and 
are  now  invested  with  the  badge  of  your  office.* 

The  Plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  uprightly  in  our 
several  stations ;  to  hold  the  scales  of  justice  in  equal 
poise ;  to  observe  the  just  medium  between  pleasure  and 
intemperance ;  and  to  make  our  passions  and  prejudices 
coincide  with  the  line  of  our  duty. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


91 


To  you  is  committed  the  superintendence  of  the  Craft, 
during  the  hours  of  refreshment ;  it  is  therefore  indis¬ 
pensably  necessary,  that  you  should  not  only  be  tem¬ 
perate  and  discreet,  in  the  indulgence  of  your  own  in¬ 
clinations,  but  carefully  observe  that  none  of  the  Craft 
be  suffered  to  convert  the  means  of  refreshment  into 
intemperance  and  excess. 

Your  regular  and  punctual  attendance  is  particularly 
requested ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  you  will  faithfully 
execute  the  duty  which  you  owe  to  your  present  appoint¬ 
ment. — Look  well  to  the  South  ! 


The  Treasurer. 

Brother - , 

Y"ou  are  appointed  Treasurer  of  this  Lodge.  It  is 
your  duty  to  receive  all  moneys  from  the  hands  of  the 
Secretary,  keep  a  just  and  accurate  account  thereof,  and 
pay  them  out  by  order  of  the  Worshipful  Master  and 
the  consent  of  the  Lodge. 

I  trust  your  regard  for  the  fraternity  will  prompt  you 
to  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  your  office. 

The  Secretary. 

Brother - , 

You  are  appointed  Secretary  of  this  Lodge.  It  is 
your  duty  to  observe  the  Worshipful  Master’s  will  and 
pleasure,  to  record  the  transactions  of  the  Lodge  in  an 
exact  and  Masonic  manner,  to  receive  all  moneys  due  to 
the  Lodge,  and  to  pay  them  over  to  the  Treasurer, 
taking  his  receipt  therefor. 


02 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


Your  good  inclination  to  Masonry  and  this  Lodge,  1 
hope,  will  induce  you  to  discharge  your  office  with 
fidelity ;  and  by  so  doing,  you  will  merit  the  esteem  and 
applause  of  your  brethren. 

Senior  and  Junior  Deacons. 

Brothers - -, 

You  are  appointed  Deacons  of  this  Lodge.  To  you, 
with  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary,  is  entrusted 
the  examination  of  visitors.  It  is  your  duty  to  attend 
the  Master  and  Wardens,  carry  their  messages,  receive 
and  conduct  candidates,  and  act  as  their  proxies  in  the 
practice  of  our  ancient  rites.  The  Square  and  Com¬ 
passes,  as  badges  of  your  office,  I  trust  to  your  care, 
not  doubting  your  vigilance  and  attention. 


The  Stewards. 

Brothers - , 

You  are  appointed  Stewards  of  this  Lodge.  The 
duties  of  your  office  are,  to  assist  in  the  collection  of 
dues  and  subscriptions ;  to  keep  an  account  of  the 
Lodge  expenses ;  to  see  that  the  tables  are  properly  fur¬ 
nished  at  refreshment,  and  that  every  brother  is  suitably 
provided  for ;  and  generally  to  assist  the  Deacons  and 
other  officers  in  performing  their  duties. 

Your  regular  and  early  attendance  will  afford  the  best 
proof  of  your  zeal  and  attachment  to  the  Lodge. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


93 


The  Tyler. 

Brother - , 

You  are  appointed  Tyler  of  this  Lodge,  and  I  invest 
you  with  the  implement  of  your  office.  As  the  sword  is 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Tyler,  to  enable  him  effectu¬ 
ally  to  guard  against  the  approach  of  cowans  and  eves- 
droppers,  and  suffer  none  to  pass  or  repass  hut  such  as 
are  duly  qualified ;  so  it  should  morally  serve  as  a  con¬ 
stant  admonition  to  us,  to  set  a  guard  at  the  entrance 
of  our  thoughts,  to  place  a  watch  at  the  door  of  our  lips, 
to  post  a  sentinel  at  the  avenue  of  our  actions,  thereby 
excluding  every  unqualified  and  unworthy  thought,  word, 
and  deed,  and  preserving  consciences  void  of  offence 
towards  God  and  towards  man. 

Your  early  and  punctual  attendance  will  afford  the 
best  proof  of  your  zeal  for  the  institution. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  BRETHREN  OE  THE  LODGE. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  our  Constitution,  that  as  some 
must  of  necessity  rule  and  teach,  so  others  must  of 
course  learn  to  submit  and  obey.  Humility  in  both  is 
an  essential  duty.  The  officers  who  are  appointed  to 
govern  your  Lodge,  are  sufficiently  conversant  with  the 
rules  of  propriety,  and  the  laws  of  the  institution,  to 
avoid  exceeding  the  powers  with  which  they  are  en¬ 
trusted,  and  you  are  of  too  generous  dispositions  to  envy 
their  preferment.  I  therefore  trust  that  you  will  have 
but  one  aim,  to  please  each  other,  and  unite  in  the  grand 
design  of  being  happy,  and  communicating  happiness. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  as  this  association  has  been 
formed  and  perfected  with  so  much  unanimity  and  con- 


94 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


cord,  in  which  we  greatly  rejoice,  so  may  it  long  continue 
May  you  long  enjoy  every  satisfaction  and  delight  which 
disinterested  friendship  can  afford.  May  kindness  and 
brotherly  affection  distinguish  your  conduct,  as  men  and 
as  Masons.  Within  your  peaceful  walls  may  your  chil¬ 
dren’s  children  celebrate  with  joy  and  gratitude  the 
transactions  of  this  auspicious  solemnity.  And  may  the 
tenets  of  our  profession  be  transmitted  through  your 
Lodge,  pure  and  unimpaired,  from  generation  to  gene¬ 
ration. 

12.  The  Grand  Marshal  then  proclaims  the  new 
Lodge  in  the  following  manner,  viz. 

In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of 

the  State  of - - ,  I  proclaim  this  new  Lodge  by  the 

name  of - Lodge,  No.  — ,  to  be  legally  constituted, 

consecrated,  and  the  officers  thereof  duly  installed. 

13.  A  piece  of  Music. 

14.  Benediction. 

The  procession  is  then  formed,  and  returns  in  due 
form  to  the  hall. 


The  W.  Master  having  been  previously  inducted  into 
the  Oriental  Chair  of  Solomon,  all  but  Master  Masons 
are  caused  to  retire. 

A  procession  is  then  formed,  and  passes  three  times 
round  the  hall ;  and  upon  passing  the  Master,  pays  him 
due  homage  by  the  usual  honours,  in  the  different 
degrees. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


95 


While  the  procession  passes  round,  the  following 
song  is  sung : 

HAIL  MASONRY  divine ! 

Glory  of  ages  shine  ; 

Long  may’st  thou  reign  ! 

Where’er  thy  lodges  stand, 

May  they  have  great  command, 

And  always  grace  the  land, 

Thou  Art  divine. 

Great  fabrics  still  arise, 

And  grace  the  azure  skies ; 

Great  are  thy  schemes ; 

Thy  noble  orders  are 
Matchless,  beyond  compare ; 

No  art  with  thee  can  share. 

Thou  Art  divine. 

Hiram,  the  architect, 

Did  all  the  craft  direct 
How  they  should  build : 

Solomon,  great  Israel’s  king, 

Did  mighty  blessings  bring, 

And  left  us  room  to  sing, 

Hail,  royal  Art ! 

The  Grand  Master  then  directs  the  Grand  Marshal  to 
form  the  procession ;  when  the  Grand  Lodge  walk  to 
their  own  hall,  and  both  Lodges  are  closed  in  due  form. 

SECTION  THIRD. 

The  ceremonies  attendant  upon  the  laying  of  corner 
or  foundation  stones  of  public  edifices  are  here  set  forth. 
They  should  be  celebrated  by  the  M.  W.  Grand  Master 
and  the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  with  the  assistance 


GO 

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S  S 

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n  <D 
°  £ 


96 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


of  officers  and  members  of  subordinate  Lodges  in  the 
vicinity.  The  Grand  Lodge  is  convened  in  some  suita¬ 
ble  place,  and  the  brethren  are  all  properly  clothed. 

The  Lodge  having  been  opened  in  ancient  form  by 
the  Grand  Master,  the  Grand  Secretary  is  called  upon 
to  publish  the  rules  which  regulate  the  procession. 

The  Lodge  is  called  off,  and  the  Grand  Junior  War¬ 
den  marshals  the  procession  in  the  following  order : 

The  brethren  being  arranged  in  the  order  of  their 
several  degrees,  beginning  with  Entered  Apprentices  and 
ending  with  Knights  of  the  Temple,  are  followed  by 


Grand  Tyler  with  a  drawn  Sword ; 

Grand  Stewards  with  white  Rods ; 

A  Past  Master  with  a  Golden  Vessel  containing 

Corn ; 

Principal  Architect,  with  Square,  Level,  and  Plumb ; 
Two  Past  Masters  with  Silver  Vessels,  one  containing 
Wine,  and  the  other  oil; 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer ; 

The  Five  Orders ; 

One  large  Light,  borne  by  a  Past  Master ; 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square  and  Compasses,  borne  by  a 
Master  of  a  Lodge,  supported  by  two  Stewards 
on  the  right  and  left ; 

Two  large  Lights,  borne  by  two  Past  Masters ; 
Grand  Chaplain ; 

Clergy  and  Orator; 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


97 


Grand  Wardens ; 

Deputy  Grand  Master ; 

The  Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge,  carrying  the  Book 
of  Constitutions  on  a  velvet  cushion ; 

Grand  Deacons  with  black  Bods,  on  a  line  seven 

feet  apart ; 

Grand  Master ; 

Two  Stewards  with  white  Rods; 

Grand  Sword-Bearer  with  drawn  Sword. 

A  Triumphal  Arch  is  usually  erected  at  the  place 
where  the  ceremony  is  to  be  performed.  The  proces¬ 
sion  passes  through  the  Arch ;  and  the  brethren  repair¬ 
ing  to  their  stands,  the  Grand  Master  and  his  officers 
take  their  places  on  a  temporary  platform,  covered  with 
carpet.  The  Grand  Master  commands  silence.  An 
Ode  on  Masonry  is  sung ;  after  which,  the  necessary 
preparations  are  made  for  laying  the  stone,  on  which  is 
engraved  the  year  of  Masonry,  the  name  of  the  Grand 
Master,  &c.  &c.* 

The  stone  is  raised  up,  by  means  of  an  engine  erected 
for  that  purpose,  and  the  Grand  Chaplain  or  Orator 
repeats  a  short  prayer. 

The  Grand  Treasurer  then,  by  the  Grand  Master’s 
command,  places  under  the  stone  various  sorts  of  coin 
and  medals  of  the  present  age.  Solemn  music  is  intro¬ 
duced,  and  the  stone  is  let  down  into  its  place. 

The  principal  Architect  then  presents  the  working 
tools  to  the  Grand  Master,  who  applies  the  plumb, 
square,  and  level,  to  the  stone,  in  their  proper  positions, 
and  pronounces  it  to  be  well  formed,  true,  and  trusty. 

*  It  should  be  laid  under  the  north-east  corner  of  the  building, 

9 


98 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


The  Golden  and  Silver  Vessels  are  next  brought  to 
the  table,  and  delivered;  the  former  to  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master,  and  the  latter  to  the  Grand  Wardens, 
who  successively  present  them  to  the  Grand  Master ; 
and  he,  according  to  ancient  ceremony,  pours  the  corn, 
the  wine,  and  the  oil,  which  they  contain,  on  the  stone ; 
saying : 

“  May  the  all-bounteous  Author  of  Nature  bless  the 
inhabitants  of  this  place  with  all  the  necessaries,  con¬ 
veniences,  and  comforts  of  life ;  assist  in  the  erection 
and  completion  of  this  building ;  protect  the  workmen 
against  every  accident,  and  long  preserve  this  structure 
from  decay :  and  grant  to  us  all,  a  supply  of  the  corn 
of  nourishment,  the  wine  of  refreshment,  and  the  oil 
of  joy ! 

“  So  mote  it  be.  Amen.” 

He  then  strikes  the  stone  thrice  with  the  mallet ; 
and  the  public  grand  honours  of  Masonry  are  given. 
The  Grand  Master  then  delivers  over  to  the  Architect 
the  various  implements  of  architecture,  entrusting  him 
with  the  superintendence  and  direction  of  the  work ; 
after  which  he  re-ascends  the  platform,  and  an  Oration 
suitable  to  the  occasion  is  delivered. 

A  voluntary  collection  is  made  for  the  needy  work¬ 
men  ;  and  the  sum  collected  is  placed  upon  the  stone 
by  the  Grand  Treasurer. 

A  suitable  Song  in  honour  of  Masonry  concludes  the 
ceremony ;  after  which,  the  procession  returns  to  the 
place  whence  it  set  out,  and  the  Lodge  is  closed  in  due 
form. 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


99 


SECTION  FOURTH. 

The  fourth  section  contains  the  ceremony  observed  at 
the  dedication  of  the  Freemasons’  Halls. 

On  the  day  appointed,  the  Grand  Master  and  his  offi¬ 
cers,  accompanied  by  the  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
meet  in  a  convenient  room  near  the  place  where  the 
ceremony  is  to  be  performed,  and  open  in  due  and 
ample  form  in  the  third  degree  of  Masonry. 

The  Master  of  the  Lodge  to  which  the  Hall  to  be 
dedicated  belongs,  being  present,  addresses  the  Grand 
Master  as  follows : 

Most  Worshipful, 

The  brethren  of - -  Lodge,  being  animated  with 

a.  desire  of  promoting  the  honour  and  interest  of  the 
Craft,  have,  at  great  pains  and  expense,  erected  a  Ma¬ 
sonic  Hall,  for  their  convenience  and  accommodation. 
They  are  desirous  that  the  same  should  be  examined  by 
the  M.  W.  Grand  Lodge ;  and  if  it  should  meet  their 
approbation,  that  it  should  be  solemnly  dedicated  to 
Masonic  purposes,  agreeably  to  ancient  form. 


The  Grand  Master  then  directs  the  Grand  Marshal  to 
form  the  procession,  when  they  move  forward  to  the 
Hall  to  be  dedicated.  On  entering,  the  music  will  con¬ 
tinue  while  the  procession  marches  three  times  round 
the  Hall. 

The  lodge  is  then  placed  in  the  centre ;  and  the 
Grand  Master  having  taken  the  chair,  under  a  canopy 
of  state,  the  Grand  Officers,  and  the  Masters  and 


100 


PRESENT  UR  PAST  MASTER. 


Wardens  of  the  Lodges,  repair  to  the  places  previously 
prepared  for  their  reception.  The  three  Lights,  and  the 
Gold  and  Silver  Pitchers,  -with  the  corn,  wine,  and  oil, 
are  placed  round  the  Lodge,  at  the  head  of  which  stands 
the  Altar,  with  the  Holy  Bible  open,  and  the  Square  and 
Compasses  laid  thereon,  with  the  Charter,  Book  of  Con 
stitutions,  and  By-laws. 

An  anthem  is  sung,  and  an  Exordium  on  Masonry 
given ;  after  which,  the  Architect  addresses  the  Grand 
Master  as  follows : 

Most  Worshipful, 

Having  been  entrusted  with  the  superintendence  and 
management  of  the  workmen  employed  in  the  construc¬ 
tion  of  this  edifice ;  and  having,  according  to  the  best 
of  my  ability,  accomplished  the  task  assigned  me,  I  now 
return  my  thanks  for  the  honour  of  this  appointment, 
and  beg  leave  to  surrender  up  the  implements  which 
were  committed  to  my  care,  when  the  foundation  of  this 
fabric  was  laid,  humbly  hoping,  that  the  exertions  which 
have  been  made  on  this  occasion,  will  be  crowned  with 
your  approbation,  and  that  of  the  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Lodge. 

To  which  the  Grand  Master  makes  the  following 
repty : 


Brother  Architect, 

The  skill  and  fidelity  displayed  in  the  execution  of  the 
trust  reposed  in  you,  at  the  commencement  of  this 
undertaking,  have  secured  the  entire  approbation  of  the 
Grand  Lodge ;  and  they  sincerely  pray,  that  this  edifice 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


101 


may  continue  a  lasting  monument  of  the  taste,  spirit, 
and  liberality  of  its  founders. 

An  Ode  in  honour  of  Masonry  is  sung,  accompanied 
with  instrumental  music. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  then  rises,  and  says : 

Most  Worshipful, 

The  hall  in  wThich  we  are  now  assembled,  and  the  plan 
upon  which  it  has  been  constructed,  having  met  with 
your  approbation,  it  is  the  desire  of  the  fraternity  that 
it  should  now  be  dedicated,  according  to  ancient  form 
and  usage. 

Whereupon  the  Grand  Master  requests  all  to  retire, 
but  such  as  are  Master  Masons.  A  procession  is  then 
formed  in  the  following  order,  viz. 

Grand  Sword-Bearer ; 

A  Past  Master,  with  a  Light ; 

A  Past  Master,  with  a  Bible,  Square,  and  Compasses, 

on  a  velvet  cushion ; 

Two  Past  Masters,  each  with  a  Light ; 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  with  Emblems ; 

Grand  Junior  Warden,  with  Pitcher  of  Corn; 

Grand  Senior  Warden,  with  Pitcher  of  Wine; 

Deputy  Grand  Master,  with  Pitcher  of  Oil ; 

Grand  Master ; 

Two  Stewards  with  rods. 

All  the  other  brethren  keep  their  places,  and  assist  in 
performing  an  Ode,  which  continues  during  the  proces- 

9  * 


102 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


sion,  excepting  only  at  the  intervals  of  dedication.  The 
Lodge  being  uncovered,  passing  round  it  the  first  time, 
the  Junior  Grand  Warden  presents  the  Pitcher  of  Corn 
to  the  Grand  Master,  who  pours  it  out  upon  the  Lodge, 
at  the  same  time  pronouncing : 

“  In  the  name  of  the  Great  Jehovah,  the  Grand  Ar¬ 
chitect  of  heaven  and  earth,  to  whom  be  all  honour  and 
glory,  I  do  solemnly  dedicate  this  Hall  to  MASONRY.” 

The  grand  honours  are  given. 

Passing  round  the  Lodge  the  second  time,  the  Grand 
Senior  Warden  presents  the  Pitcher  of  Wine  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  sprinkles  it  upon  the  Lodge,  at  the 
same  time  saying : 

“In  the  name  of  the  Holy  Saints  John,  I  do 
solemnly  dedicate  this  Hall  to  VIRTUE.” 

The  grand  honours  are  tivice  given. 

Passing  round  the  Lodge  the  third  time,  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  presents  the  Grand  Master  with  the 
Pitcher  of  Oil,  who  sprinkles  it  upon  the  Lodge,  saying : 

“  In  the  name  of  the  whole  Fraternity,  1  do  solemnly 
dedicate  this  Hall  to  UNIVERSAL  BENEVOLENCE.” 

The  grand  honours  are  thrice  given. 

A  solemn  Invocation  is  made  to  the  Throne  of  Grace, 
by  the  Grand  Chaplain,  and  an  Anthem  sung;  after 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


103 


which  the  Lodge  is  covered,  and  the  Grand  Master 
retires  to  his  chair. 

An  Oration  is  then  delivered,  and  the  ceremonies 
conclude  with  music. 

The  Grand  Lodge  is  then  closed  in  due  and  ample 
form. 


SECTION  FIFTH. 

The  ceremonies  which  are  observed  on  the  occasion 
of  funerals,  and  services  appropriate  for  such  solemnities 
are  here  set  forth. 

These  services  are  observed  as  a  token  of  respect  and 
affection  at  the  funerals  of  those  who  have  been  raised 
to  the  sublime  degree  of  Master  Mason. 

The  brethren  should  be  clothed  with  white  gloves 
and  aprons ;  and  a  white  or  black  mourning  on  the 
left  arm. 


The  Funeral  Service. 

The  brethren  being  assembled  at  the  Lodge-room,  (or 
some  other  convenient  place,)  the  presiding  officer  opens 
the  Lodge  in  the  third  degree,  with  the  usual  forms ; 
and  having  stated  the  purpose  of  the  meeting,  the 
service  begins : — 


Master. — “What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and 
shall  not  see  death?  Shall  he  deliver  his  soul 
from  the  grave?” 


104 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


Response. — “Man  walketh  in  a  vain  shadow; 
he  heapeth  up  riches,  and  cannot  tell  who  shall 
gather  them.” 

Master. — “When  he  dieth  he  shall  carry  no¬ 
thing  away;  his  glory  shall  not  descend  after 
him” 

Response. — “Naked  he  came  into  the  world, 
and  naked  he  must  return.” 

Master. — “The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away  :  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord !” 

The  Master  then  taking  the  roll  in  his  hand,  says : 

“  Let  us  live  and  die  like  the  righteous,  that 
our  last  end  may  be  like  his !” 

The  Brethren  answer,  “  God  is  our  God  for 
ever  and  ever;  he  will  be  our  guide  even  unto 
death!” 

The  Master  then  records  the  name  and  age  of  the 
deceased  upon  the  roll,  and  says  : 

“Almighty  Father!  in  thy  hands  we  leave 
with  humble  submission  the  soul  of  our  deceased 
Brother.” 

The  Brethren  answer  three  times,  (giving  the  grand 
honours  each  time:) 

“  The  will  of  God  is  accomplished !  So  mote 
it  be.  Amen.” 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


105 


The  Master  then  deposits  the  roll  in  the  archives, 
and  repeats  the  following  Prayer : — 

'  *  t  *  * 

“  Most  glorious  God !  author  of  all  good,  and 
giver  of  all  mercy !  pour  down  thy  blessings  upon 
us,  and  strengthen  our  solemn  engagements  with 
the  ties  of  sincere  affection !  May  the  present 
instance  of  mortality  remind  us  of  our  approaching 
fate,  and  draw  our  attention  toward  thee,  the 
only  refuge  in  time  of  need !  that,  when  the  awful 
moment  shall  arrive,  and  we  are  about  to  quit 
this  transitory  scene,  the  enlivening  prospect  of 
thy  mercy,  through  the  Redeemer,  may  dispel 
the  gloom  of  death;  and  after  our  departure 
hence  in  peace,  and  in  thy  favour,  may  we  be 
received  into  thine  everlasting  kingdom,  to  enjoy, 
in  union  with  the  souls  of  our  departed  friends, 
the  just  reward  of  a  pious  and  virtuous  life, 
through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen.” 

A  procession  is  then  formed,  which  moves  to  the 
house  of  the  deceased,  and  from  thence  to  the  place  of 
interment. 

The  Order  of  Procession  at  a  funeral,  is  the  same  aa 
on  other  occasions. 

The  procession  being  formed,  is  followed  by 

The  Master ; 

Clergy ; 

The  Body,  with  the  insignia  placed  thereon. 

Pall  Bearers. 


10G 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


When  the  procession  arrives  at  the  church-yard,  the 
members  of  the  Lodge  form  a  circle  round  the  grave ; 
and  the  clergymen  and  officers  of  the  Lodge  take  their 
station  at  the  head  of  the  grave,  and  the  mourners  at 
the  foot.  The  service  is  resumed,  and  the  following 
Exhortation  is  given : — 

Here  we  view  a  striking  instance  of  the 
uncertainty  of  life,  and  the  vanity  of  all  human 
pursuits.  The  last  offices  paid  to  the  dead,  are 
useful  as  lectures  to  the  living ; — from  them  we 
are  to  derive  instruction,  and  to  consider  every 
solemnity  of  this  kind  as  a  summons  to  prepare 
for  our  approaching  dissolution. 

Notwithstanding  the  various  mementos  of  mor¬ 
tality,  with  which  we  daily  meet;  notwithstand¬ 
ing  Death  has  established  his  empire  over  all 
the  works  of  nature ;  yet,  through  some  unac¬ 
countable  infatuation,  we  forget  that  we  are  horn 
to  die ;  we  go  on  from  one  design  to  another,  add 
hope  to  hope,  and  lay  out  plans  for  the  employ¬ 
ment  of  many  years,  till  we  are  suddenly  alarmed 
with  the  approach  of  Death,  when  we  least 
expect  him,  and  at  an  hour  which  we  probably 
conclude  to  he  the  meridian  of  our  existence. 

What  are  all  the  externals  of  majesty,  the 
pride  of  wealth,  or  charms  of  beauty,  when 
Nature  has  paid  her  just  debt?  Fix  your  eyes 
on  the  last  scene,  and  view  life  stript  of  her 
ornaments,  and  exposed  in  her  natural  meanness ; 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


107 


you  will  then  he  convinced  of  the  futility  of  those 
empty  delusions.  In  the  grave,  all  fallacies  are 
detected,  all  ranks  are  levelled,  and  all  distinc¬ 
tions  are  done  away. 

While  we  drop  the  sympathetic  tear  over  the 
grave  of  our  deceased  friend,  let  charity  incline 
us  to  throw  a  veil  over  his  foibles,  whatever  they 
may  have  been,  and  not  withhold  from  his  memory 
the  praise  that  his  virtues  may  have  claimed. 
Suffer  the  apologies  of  human  nature  to  plead  in 
his  behalf.  Perfection  on  earth  has  never  been 
attained ; — the  wisest,  as  well  as  the  best  of  men, 
have  erred. 

Let  the  present  example  excite  our  most 
serious  thoughts,  and  strengthen  our  resolutions 
of  amendment.  As  life  is  uncertain,  and  all 
earthly  pursuits  are  vain,  let  us  no  longer  post¬ 
pone  the  all-important  concern  of  preparing  for 
eternity ;  but  embrace  the  happy  moment,  while 
time  and  opportunity  offer,  to  provide  against  the 
great  change,  when  all  the  pleasures  of  this  world 
shall  cease  to  delight,  and  the  reflections  of  a 
virtuous  and  holy  life  yield  the  only  comfort  and 
consolation.  Thus  our  expectations  will  not  be 
frustrated,  nor  we  hurried  unprepared  into  the 
presence  of  an  all- wise  and  powerful  Judge,  to 
whom  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  are  known. 

Let  us,  while  in  this  state  of  existence,  sup¬ 
port  with  propriety  the  character  of  our  pro- 


108 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


fession,  advert  to  the  nature  of  our  solemn  ties, 
and  pursue  with  assiduity  the  sacred  tenets  of 
our  order.  Then,  with  becoming  reverence,  let 
us  seek  the  favour  of  the  Eternal  God,  through 
the  merits  of  his  Son  our  Saviour,  so  that  when 
the  awful  moment  of  Death  arrives,  be  it  soon  cr 
late,  we  may  be  enabled  to  prosecute  our  journey 
without  dread  or  apprehension,  to  that  far  distant 
country,  whence  no  traveller  returns. 

The  following  invocations  are  then  made  by  the 
Master  : 

Master. — May  we  be  true  and  faithful;  and 
may  we  live  and  die  in  love  ! 

Answer. — So  mote  it  be. 

Master. — May  we  profess  what  is  good,  and 
always  act  agreeably  to  our  profession! 

Answer. — So  mote  it  be. 

Master. — May  the  Lord  bless  us  and  prosper 
us,  and  may  all  our  good  intentions  be  crowned 
with  success ! 

Answer. — So  mote  it  be. 

Master. — Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest;  on 
earth  peace  !  good  will  towards  men  ! 

Answer. —  So  mote  it  be,  now,  from  hence-' 
forth,  and  for  evermore.  Amen. 

The  apron  is  taken  off  from  the  coffin  and  handed  to 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER, 


109 


the  Master — the  coffin  is  deposited  in  the  grave — and 
the  Master  says  : — 

This  Lamb  Skin,  or  white  leather  Apron,  is 
an  emblem  of  Innocence,  and  the  badge  of  a 
Mason,  more  ancient  than  the  golden  fleece  or 
Roman  eagle;  more  honourable  than  the  star  and 
garter,  when  worthily  worn.  [The  Master  then 
deposits  it  in  the  grave.]  This  emblem  I  now 
deposit  in  the  grave  of  our  deceased  Brother. 
By  this  We  are  reminded  of  the  universal  do¬ 
minion  of  Death.  The  arm  of  Friendship  cannot 
oppose  the  King  of  Terrors,  nor  the  charms  of 
innocence  elude  his  grasp.  This  grave,  that 
coffin,  this  circle  of  mourning  friends,  reminds  us 
that  we  too  are  mortal :  soon  shall  our  bodies 
moulder  to  dust.  Then  how  important  for  us 
that  we  should  know  that  our  Redeemer  liveth, 
and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon  the 
Earth.  [The  Master,  holding  the  evergreen  in 
his  hand,  continues,]  This  evergreen  is  an  em¬ 
blem  of  our  faith  in  the  immortality  of  the  soul. 
By  this  we  are  reminded  that  we  have  an  immor¬ 
tal  part  within  us,  which  shall  survive  the  grave, 
and  which  shall  never,  never,  never  die.  Though 
like  our  Brother  whose  remains  now  lie  before  us, 
we  shall  soon  be  clothed  in  the  habiliments  of 
Death  and  deposited  in  the  silent  tomb,  yet 
through  the  mediation  of  a  divine  and  ascended 
10 


110 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


Saviour,  we  may  confidently  hope  that  our  souls 
will  bloom  in  Eternal  Spring. 

The  brethren  then  move  in  procession  round  the 
place  of  interment,  and  severally  drop  the  sprig  of  ever¬ 
green  into  the  grave ;  after  which,  the  public  grand 
honours  are  given. 

The  Master  then  continues  the  ceremony  at  the  grave, 
in  the  following  words : 

From  time  immemorial,  it  has  been  the  custom 
among  the  fraternity  of  free  and  accepted  Masons, 
at  the  request  of  a  brother,  to  accompany  his 
corpse  to  the  place  of  interment,  and  there  to 
deposit  his  remains  with  the  usual  formalities. 

In  conformity  to  this  usage,  and  at  the  re¬ 
quest  of  our  deceased  brother,  whose  memory  we 
revere,  and  whose  loss  we  now  deplore,  we  have 
assembled  in  the  character  of  Masons,  and  to  offer 
up  to  his  memory,  before  the  world,  the  last 
tribute  of  our  affection;  thereby  demonstrating 
the  sincerity  of  our  past  esteem,  and  our  steady 
attachment  to  the  principles  of  the  Order. 

The  great  Creator  having  been  pleased,  out 
of  his  mercy,  to  remove  our  brother  from  the 
cares  and  troubles  of  a  transitory  existence,  to  a 
state  of  eternal  duration,  and  thereby  to  weaken 
the  chain,  by  which  we  are  united  man  to  man ; 
may  we,  who  survive  him,  anticipate  our  ap¬ 
proaching  fate,  and  be  more  strongly  cemented  in 


PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 


Ill 


the  ties  of  union  and  friendship ;  that,  during  the 
short  space  allotted  to  our  present  existence,  we 
may  wisely  and  usefully  employ  our  time ;  and, 
in  the  reciprocal  intercourse  of  kind  and  friendly 
acts,  mutually  promote  the  welfare  and  happiness 
of  each  other. 

Unto  the  grave  we  have  resigned  the  body  of 
our  deceased  friend,  earth  to  earth,  dust  to  dust, 
ashes  to  ashes,  there  to  remain  until  the  trump 
shall  sound  on  the  resurrection  morn.  We  can 
cheerfully  leave  him  in  the  hands  of  a  Being  who 
has  done  all  things  well ;  who  is  glorious  in  holi¬ 
ness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing  wonders.  Then  let 
us  all  so  improve  this  solemn  warning,  that  on 
the  great  day  of  account  we  may  receive  from  the 
compassionate  Judge,  the  welcome  invitation, 
“  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation 
of  the  world.” 

So  mote  it  be.  Amen. 

The  procession  then  returns  in  form  to  the  place 
whence  it  set  out,  where  the  necessary  duties  are 
complied  with,  and  the  Lodge  is  closed. 


SIXTH  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


<k  They  that  have  used  the  office  of  a  Deacon  well,  purchase  to 
themselves  a  good  Degree.” — 1  Tim.  iii.  13* 

“  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteousness 
which  the  Lord  shall  give  me  at  that  day  ” — 2  Tim.  iv.  8. 


This  solemn  degree  cannot  be  conferred  on  any  others 
than  those  who  have  attained  the  honour  of  sitting  in 
the  Oriental  Chair,  and  presiding  over  the  deliberations 
of  their  brethren.  At  the  completion  of  the  Temple, 
when  the  laying  of  the  capstone  was  celebrated,  King 
Solomon  is  said  to  have  distinguished  those  who  had  ex¬ 
hibited  great  skill  in  their  work,  and  inflexible  fidelity 
to  the  craft,  by  this  degree.  Let  none  expect  to  dis¬ 
charge  the  duties  of  a  Most  Excellent  Master,  without 
having  attained  a  perfect  knowledge  of  preceding  de¬ 
grees. 

“  The  earth  is  the  Lord’s  and  the  fulness  there¬ 
of  ;  the  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein.  For 
he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas,  and  established 
it  upon  the  floods.  Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill 

of  the  Lord  ?  or  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place  V 
10*  (113) 


114 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


He  that  hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart ;  whc 
hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor  sworn 
deceitfully.  He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from 
the  Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his 
salvation.  This  is  the  generation  of  them  that 
seek  him,  that  seek  thy  face,  0  Jacob :  Selah. 
Lift  up  your  heads,  0  ye  gates ;  and  be  ye  lifted 
up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  and  the  King  of  Glory 
shall  come  in.  Who  is  this  King  of  Glory  ?  The 
Lord,  strong  and  mighty;  the  Lord,  mighty  in 
battle.  Lift  up  your  heads,  0  ye  gates ;  even  lift 
them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  and  the  King  of 
Glory  shall  come  in.  Who  is  this  King  of  Glory  ? 
The  Lord  of  Hosts,  he  is  the  King  of  Glory : 
Selah.” — Psalm  xxiv. 

The  following  Psalm  is  read  during  the  ceremony  of 

receiving  a  candidate  in  this  degree : 

% 

cc  I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us 
go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord.  Our  feet  shall 
stand  within  thy  gates,  0  Jerusalem.  Jerusalem 
is  builded  as  a  city  that  is  compact  together: 
whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the  Lord, 
unto  the  testimony  of  Israel,  to  give  thanks  unto 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  For  there  are  set  thrones 
of  judgment,  the  thrones  of  the  house  of  David. 

Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem :  they  shall 
prosper  that  love  thee.  Peace  be  within  thy 
walls,  and  prosperity  within  thy  palaces.  For 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


115 


my  brethren  and  companions’  sakes,  I  will  now 
say,  Peace  be  within  thee.  Because  of  the  housfl 
of  the  Lord  our  God,  I  will  seek  thy  good.”-* 
Psalm  cxxii. 

The  song  which  is  here  sung  will  be  found  among  thf 
songs  in  Part  III.  No.  6. 

The  ceremony  closes  with  the  following  passages : 

“  Then  said  Solomon,  The  Lord  hath  said  that  he 
would  dwell  in  the  thick  darkness.  But  I  have  built 
a  house  of  habitation  for  thee,  and  a  place  for  thy 
dwelling  for  ever. 

And  the  king  turned  his  face,  and  blessed  the  whole 
congregation  of  Israel:  and  all  the  congregation  of 
Israel  stood.  And  he  said,  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  who  hath  with  his  hands  fulfilled  that  which  ho 
spake  with  his  mouth  to  my  father  David,  saying,  Since 
the  day  that  I  brought  forth  my  people  out  of  the  land 
of  Egypt,  I  chose  no  city  among  all  the  tribes  of  Israel 
to  build  a  house  in,  that  my  name  might  be  there ; 
neither  chose  I  any  man  to  be  a  ruler  over  my  people 
Israel:  but  I  have  chosen  Jerusalem,  that  my  name 
might  be  there ;  and  have  chosen  David  to  be  over  my 
people  Israel. 

Now  it  was  the  -heart  of  David  my  father  to  build  a 
house  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel.  But 
the  Lord  said  to  David  my  Father,  Forasmuch  as  it 
was  in  thy  heart  to  build  a  house  for  my  name,  thou 
didst  well  in  that  it  was  in  thy  heart :  notwithstanding, 
thou  shalt  not  build  the  house ;  but  thy  son  which 
shall  come  forth  out  of  thy  loins,  he  shall  build  the 


116 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


house  for  my  name.  The  Lord  therefore  hath  per*, 
formed  his  word  that  he  hath  spoken ;  for  I  am  risen 
up  in  the  room  of  David  my  father,  and  am  set  on  the 
throne  of  Israel,  as  the  Lord  promised,  and  have  built 
the  house  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel.  And 
in  it  have  I  put  the  ark,  wherein  is  the  covenant  of  the 
Lord,  that  he  made  with  the  children  of  Israel. 

And  he  stood  before  the  altar  of  the  Lord,  in  the  pres¬ 
ence  of  all  the  congregation  of  Israel,  and  spread  forth 
his  hands :  for  Solomon  had  made  a  brazen  scaffold  of 
five  cubits  long,  and  five  cubits  broad,  and  three  cubits 
high,  and  had  set  it  in  the  midst  of  the  court ;  and  upon 
it  he  stood,  and  kneeled  down  upon  his  knees  before  all 
the  congregation  of  Israel,  and  spread  forth  his  hands 
towards  heaven,  and  said, 

0  Lord  God  of  Israel,  there  is  no  God  like  thee  in  the 
heaven,  nor  in  the  earth ;  which  keepest  covenant,  and 
shewest  mercy  unto  thy  servants  that  walk  before  thee 
with  all  their  hearts :  thou,  which  hast  kept  with  thy 
servant  David  my  father  that  which  thou  hast  promised 
him ;  and  spakest  with  thy  mouth,  and  hast  fulfilled  it 
with  thine  hand,  as  it  is  this  day.  Now  therefore,  0 
Lord  God  of  Israel,  keep  with  thy  servant  David  my 
father  that  which  thou  hast  promised  him,  saying,  There 
shall  not  fail  thee  a  man  in  my  sight  to  sit  upon  the 
throne  of  Israel ;  yet  so  that  thy  children  take  heed  to 
their  way,  to  walk  in  my  law,  as  thou  hast  walked  before 
me.  Now  then,  0  Lord  God  of  Israel,  let  thy  word  be 
verified,  which  thou  hast  spoken  unto  thy  servant  David. 
But,  will  God  in  very  deed  dwell  with  men  on  the  earth  ? 
Behold,  heaven  and  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  con¬ 
tain  thee ;  how  much  less  this  house  which  I  have  built ! 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


117 


Have  respect  therefore  to  the  prayer  of  thy  servant,  and 
to  his  supplication,  0  Lord  my  God,  to  hearken  unto 
the  cry  and  the  prayer  which  thy  servant  prayeth  be¬ 
fore  thee :  that  thine  eyes  may  he  open  upon  this  house 
day  and  night,  upon  the  place  whereof  thou  hast  said 
that  thou  wouldst  put  thy  name  there ;  to  hearken  unto 
the  prayer  which  thy  servant  prayeth  towards  this  place. 

Hearken  therefore  unto  the  supplications  of  thy  ser-  • 
vant,  and  of  thy  people  Israel,  which  they  shall  make 
toward  this  place :  hear  thou  from  thy  dwelling  place, 
even  from  heaven ;  and  when  thou  hearest,  forgive. 

“Now  when  Solomon  had  made*  an  end  of 
praying,  the  fire  came  down  from  heaven,  and 
consumed  the  burnt  offering  and  sacrifices;  and 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  house.  And  the 
priest  could  not  enter  into  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
because  the  glory  of  the  Lord  had  filled  the  Lord’s 
house. 

And  when  all  the  children  of  Israel  saw  how 
the  fire  came  down,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
upon  the  house,  they  bowed  themselves  with  their 
faces  to  the  ground  upon  the  pavement,  and  wor¬ 
shipped,  and  praised  the  Lord,  saying,  For  he 
is  good;  for  his  mercy  enduretii  for  ever.” — 
2  Chron.  vii.  1 — 4. 

The  following  Psalm  is  read  at  closing : 

“  The  Lord  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want. 
He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures  :  he 


118 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters.  He  restoreth 
my  soul ;  he  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteous¬ 
ness  for  his  name’s  sake.  Yea,  though  I  walk 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will 
fear  no  evil :  for  thou  art  with  me ;  thy  rod  and 
thy  staff  they  comfort  me.  Thou  preparest  a 
table  before  me  in  the  presence  of  mine  enemies ; 
thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil;  my  cup  runneth 
over.  Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow 
me  all  the  days  of  my  life ;  and  I  will  dwell  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever.” — Psalm  xxiii. 

CHARGE  TO  A  BROTHER  WHO  IS  RECEIVED  AND  ACKNOW¬ 
LEDGED  AS  A  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 

Brother — Your  admittance  to  this  degree  of 
Masonry,  is  a  proof  of  the  good  opinion  the  bre¬ 
thren  of  this  Lodge  entertain  of  your  Masonic  abili¬ 
ties.  Let  this  consideration  induce  you  to  be 
careful  of  forfeiting,  by  misconduct,  and  inatten¬ 
tion  to  our  rules,  that  esteem  which  has  raised 
you  to  the  rank  you  now  possess. 

It  is  one  of  your  great  duties  as  a  Most  Excel¬ 
lent  Master,  to  dispense  light  and  truth  to  the  un¬ 
informed  Mason ;  and  I  need  not  remind  you  of 
the  impossibility  of  complying  with  this  obligation 
without  possessing  an  accurate  acquaintance  with 
the  lectures  of  each  degree. 

If  you  are  not  already  completely  conversant  in 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


119 


all  the  degrees  heretofore  conferred  on  you,  re¬ 
member,  that  an  indulgence,  prompted  by  a  belief 
that  you  will  apply  yourself  with  double  diligence 
to  make  yourself  so,  has  induced  the  brethren  to 
accept  you. 

Let  it  therefore  be  your  unremitting  study,  to 
acquire  such  a  degree  of  knowledge  and  informa¬ 
tion,  as  shall  enable  you  to  discharge  with  pro¬ 
priety  the  various  duties  incumbent  on  you,  and 
to  preserve  unsullied  the  title  now  conferred  upon 
you,  of  a  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 


SEVENTH  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


“  And  he  made  the  vail  of  blue,  and  purple,  and  crimson,  and  fine 
linen,  and  wrought  Cherubims  thereon.” — 2  Chron.  ni.  14. 

4<  He  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted.” 


This  degree,  as  is  implied  in  its  designation,  should 
he  conferred  on  none  hut  those  who  are  possessed  of  a 
nohle  and  generous  disposition,  and  who  have  proved 
themselves  worthy  of  such  an  exalted  distinction  hy 
having  faithfully  discharged  their  duties,  and  diligently 
sought  to  acquire  perfection  in  the  work  of  the  pro¬ 
ceeding  degrees. 

It  teaches  humility,  and  reveals  the  mode  hy  which 
the  traditionary  arcana  of  ancient  Masonry  were  pre¬ 
served  and  rendered  available  to  the  craft. 

11 


(121) 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


123 


SECTION  FIRST 

Explains  the  mode  of  government,  apportions  the 
work  among  the  several  officers,  and  shows  the  signifi¬ 
cance  of  the  various  colours  of  their  banners. 

“  Now  we  command  you,  brethren,  in  the  name 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  withdraw  from 
every  brother  that  walketh  disorderly,  and  not 
after  the  tradition  which  ye  received  of  us.  For 
yourselves  know  how  ye  ought  to  follow  us :  for 
we  behaved  not  ourselves  disorderly  among  you ; 
neither  did  we  eat  any  man’s  bread  for  nought ; 
but  wrought  with  labour  and  travail  night  and 
day,  that  we  might  not  be  chargeable  to  any  of 
you ;  not  because  we  have  not  power,  but  to  make 
ourselves  an  ensample  unto  you  to  follow  us.  For 
even  when  we  were  with  you,  this  we  commanded 
you,  that  if  any  would  not  work,  neither  should 
he  eat.  For  we  hear  that  there  are  some  which 
walk  among  you  disorderly,  working  not  at  all,  but 
are  busybodies.  Now  them  that  are  such  we 
command  and  exhort,  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
that  with  quietness  they  work,  and  eat  their  own 
bread.  But  ye,  brethren,  be  not  weary  in  well 
doing.  And  if  any  man  obey  not  our  word  by 
this  epistle,  note  that  man,  and  have  no  company 
with  him,  that  he  may  be  ashamed.  Yet  count 
him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  admonish  him  as  a  bro¬ 
ther.  Now  the  Lord  of  peace  himself  give  you 


124 


R  OY AL  ARCH 


peace  always  by  all  means.  The  Lord  be  with 
you  all. 

The  salutation  of  Paul  with  mine  own  hand, 
which  is  the  token  in  every  epistle :  so  I  write. 
The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  vTith  you 
all.  Amen.” — 2  Thess.  hi.  6 — 18. 


SECTION  SECOND. 

We  are  here  taught  that  honour  and  success  are  the 
ultimate  rewards  of  persevering  industry  and  virtuous 


ROYAL  ARCH 


125 


fidelity;  while  ingratitude  and  impiety  are  the  prelude 
to  ruin  and  disgrace ;  this  section  is  rich  in  its  illustra¬ 
tions  of  historical  truth. 

“  I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they 
knew  not ;  I  will  lead  them  in  paths  that  they 
have  not  known ;  I  will  make  darkness  light 
before  them,  and  crooked  things  straight.  These 
things  will  I  do  unto  them,  and  will  not  forsake 
them.” — Isaiah  xliii.  16. 

For  Prayer  at  the  Exaltation  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason 
see  Part  III. 

11  * 


126 


RO  YAL  ARCH. 


Now  Moses  kept  the  flock  of  Jethro  his  father- 
in-law,  the  priest  of  Midian ;  and  he  led  the  flock 
to  the  back  side  of  the  desert,  and  came  to  the 
mountain  of  God,  even  to  Horeb.  And  the  angel 
of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  a  flame  of  fire, 
out  of  the  midst  of  a  bush ;  and  he  looked,  and 
behold  the  bush  burned  with  fire,  and  the  bush 
was  not  consumed. 

And  when  the  Lord  saw  that  he  turned  aside 
to  see,  God  called  to  him  out  of  the  bush,  and 
said,  Moses,  Moses!  And  he  said,  here  am  I. 
And  he  said,  Draw  not  nigh  hither :  put  off  thy 
shoes  from  off  thy  feet,  for  the  place  whereon 
thou  standest  is  holy  ground.  Moreover  he  said, 
I  am  the  God  of  thy  father,  the  God  of  Abraham, 
the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob.  And 
Moses  hid  his  face:  for  he  was  afraid  to  look 
upon  God.”  Exodus  iii.  1 — 16. 

“Zedekiah  was  one-and-twenty  years  old, 
when  he  began  to  reign,  and  he  reigned  eleven 
years  in  Jerusalem.  And  he  did  that  which 
was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  his  God,  and 
humbled  not  himself  before  Jeremiah  the  pro¬ 
phet,  speaking  from  the  mouth  of  the  Lord. 
And  he  also  rebelled  against  king  Nebuchad¬ 
nezzar,  and  stiffened  his  neck,  and  hardened  his 
heart,  from  turning  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 
Moreover,  all  the  chief  of  the  priests  and  the 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


127 


128 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


people  transgressed  very  much,  after  all  the 
abominations  of  the  heathen,  and  polluted  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  which  he  had  hallowed  in 
Jerusalem.  And  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers 
sent  to  them  by  his  messengers,  because  he  had 
compassion  on  his  people,  and  on  his  dwelling 
place.  But  they  mocked  the  messengers  of  God, 
and  despised  his  word,  and  misused  his  prophets, 
until  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  arose  against  his 
people,  till  there  was  no  remedy. 

Therefore  he  brought  upon  them  the  king  of 
the  Chaldees,  who  slew  their  young  men  with 
the  sword,  in  the  house  of  their  sanctuary,  and 
had  no  compassion  upon  young  men  or  maidens, 
old  men,  or  him  that  stooped  for  age ;  he  gave 
them  all  into  his  hand.  And  all  the  vessels  of 
the  house  of  God,  great  and  small,  and  the 
treasures  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
treasures  of  the  king,  and  his  princes :  all  these 
he  brought  to  Babylon. 

And  they  burnt  the  house  of  God,  and  brake 
down  the  wall  of  Jerusalem,  and  burnt  all  the 
palaces  thereof  with  fire,  and  destroyed  all  the 
goodly  vessels  thereof.  And  them  that  had 
escaped  from  the  sword,  carried  he  away  to 
Babylon; — where  they  were  servants  to  him 
and  his  sons,  until  the  reign  of  the  kingdom  of 
Persia.”  2  Chron.  xxxvi.  11 — 20. 


130 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


“Now,  in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus,  King  of  Per¬ 
sia,  the  Lord  stirred  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus,  King 
of  Persia,  that  he  made  a  proclamation  through¬ 
out  all  his  kingdom,  and  put  it  also  in  writing, 
saying,  Thus  saith  Cyrus,  King  of  Persia,  the 
Lord  God  of  Heaven,  hath  given  me  all  the 
kingdoms  of  the  earth,  and  he  hath  charged  me 
to  build  him  an  house  at  Jerusalem,  which  is  in 
Judah.  Who  is  there  among  you  of  all  his 
people  ?  His  God  be  with  him,  and  let  him  go 
up  to  Jerusalem,  which  is  in  Judah,  and  build 
the  house  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  which  is  in 
Jerusalem.” — Ezra  i.  1 — 3. 

“And  Moses  said  fin  to  God,  Behold,  when  I 
come  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  and  shall  say 
unto  them,  The  God  of  your  fathers  hath  sent 
me  unto  you ;  and  they  shall  say  to  me,  What 
is  his  name  ?  what  shall  I  say  unto  them  ? 

And  God  said  unto  Moses,  I  AM  THAT  I 
AM  :  And  thus  thou  shalt  say  unto  the  children 
of  Israel,  I  AM  hath  sent  me  unto  you.” — Exodus 
iii.  13,  14. 

“  Lord,  I  cry  unto  thee :  make  haste  unto  me ; 
give  ear  unto  my  voice.  Let  my  prayer  be  set 
forth  before  thee  as  incense,  and  the  lifting  up 
of  hands  as  the  evening  sacrifice.  Set  a  watch, 
0  Lord,  before  my  mouth ;  keep  the  door  of  my 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


131 


lips.  Incline  not  my  heart  to  any  evil  thing,  to 
practise  wicked  works  with  men  that  work  ini¬ 
quity.  Let  the  righteous  smite  me,  it  shall  be  a 
kindness;  let  him  reprove  me,  it  shall  be  an 
excellent  oil.  Mine  eyes  are  unto  thee,  0  God, 
the  Lord;  in  thee  is  my  trust;  leave  not  my 
soul  destitute.  Keep  me  from  the  snares  which 
they  have  laid  for  me,  and  the  gins  of  the 
workers  of  iniquity.  Let  the  wicked  fall  into 
their  own  nets,  while  that  I  withal  escape.” 
Psalm  cxli. 

“  I  cried  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voice  :  with 
my  voice  unto  the  Lord  did  I  make  my  suppli¬ 
cation.  I  poured  out  my  complaint  before  him : 
I  showed  before  him  my  trouble.  When  my 
spirit  was  overwhelmed  within  me,  then  thou 
knewest  my  path :  in  the  way  wherein  I  walked, 
have  they  privily  laid  a  snare  for  me.  I  looked 
on  my  right  hand  and  beheld,  but  there  was  no 
man  that  would  know  me :  refuge  failed  me :  no 
man  cared  for  my  soul.  I  cried  unto  thee,  0 
Lord :  I  said,  Thou  art  my  refuge,  and  my  por¬ 
tion  in  the  land  of  the  living.  Attend  unto  my 
cry ;  for  I  am  brought  very  low :  deliver  me 
from  my  persecutors ;  for  they  are  stronger  than 
I.  Bring  my  soul  out  of  darkness,  that  I  may 
praise  thy  name.” — Psalm  cxlii. 


132 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


“  Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord;  give  ear  to  my  sup¬ 
plication.  In  thy  faithfulness  answer  me,  and 
in  thy  righteousness.  And  enter  not  into  judg¬ 
ment  with  thy  servant ;  -for  in  thy  sight  shall 
no  man  living  be  justified.  For  the  enemy  hath 
persecuted  my  soul ;  he  hath  made  me  to  dwell 
in  darkness.  Therefore  is  my  spirit  overwhelmed 
within  me;  my  heart  within  me  is  desolate. 
Hear  me  speedily,  0  Lord ;  my  spirit  faileth ; 
hide  not  thy  face  from  me,  lest  I  be  like  them 
that  go  down  into  the  pit.  Cause  me  to  hear 
thy  loving  kindness  in  the  morning ;  for  in  thee 
do  I  trust :  cause  me  to  know  the  way  wherein 
I  should  walk ;  for  I  lift  up  my  soul  unto  thee. 
Teach  me  to  do  thy  will ;  for  thou  art  my  God  : 
bring  my  soul  out  of  trouble,  and  of  thy  mercy 
cut  off  mine  enemies,  for  I  am  thy  servant.” 
Psalm  cxliii. 

“And  Moses  answered  and  said,  But  behold, 
they  will  not  believe  me,  nor  hearken  unto  my 
voice ;  for  they  will  say,  The  Lord  hath  not  ap¬ 
peared  unto  thee.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  him, 
What  is  that  in  thine  hand  ?  And  he  said,  a  rod. 
And  he  said,  Cast  it  on  the  ground ;  and  he  cast 
it  on  the  ground,  and  it  became  a  serpent;  and 
Moses  fled  from  before  it.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  Moses,  Put  forth  thine  hand,  and  take  it  by 
the  tail.  And  he  put  forth  his  hand  and  caught 
it,  and  it  became  a  rod  in  his  hand.  That  they 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


133 


may  believe  that  the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers, 
the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the 
God  of  Jacob,  hath  appeared  unto  thee. 

And  the  Lord  said  furthermore  unto  him,  Put 
now  thine  hand  into  thy  bosom;  and  he  put  his 
hand  into  his  bosom;  and  when  he  took  it  out, 
behold  his  hand  was  leprous  as  snow.  And  he 
said,  Put  thine  hand  into  thy  bosom  again;  and 
he  put  his  hand  into  his  bosom  again;  and  he 
plucked  it  out  of  his  bosom,  and,  behold,  it  was 
turned  again  as  his  other  flesh.  And  it  shall 
come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not  believe  thee,  neither 
hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  first  sign,  that  they 
will  believe  the  voice  of  the  latter  sign. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not 
believe  also  these  two  signs,  neither  hearken  unto 
thy  voice,  that  thou  shalt  take  of  the  water  of  the 
river,  and  pour  it  upon  the  dry  land :  and  the 
water  which  thou  takest  out  of  the  river,  shall 
become  blood  upon  the  dry  land.” — Exodus  iv. 
1—10. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  read  by  the 
High  Priest 

“  Speak  now  to  Zerubbabel,  the  son  of  Shealtiel, 
governor  of  Judah,  and  to  Joshua,  the  son  of  Josedec, 
the  high  priest,  and  to  the  residue  of  the  people,  saying, 
Who  is  left  among  you,  that  saw  this  house  in  her  first 
glory  ?  and  how  do  you  see  it  now  ?  is  it  not,  in  your 
12 


134 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


eyes,  in  comparison  of  it,  as  nothing?  Yet  now  be 
strong,  0  Zerubbabel;  and  be  strong,  0  Joshua,  son 
of  Josedec,  the  high  priest;  and  be  strong,  all  ye  people 
of  the  land,  saith  the  Lord,  and  work :  for  I  am  with 
•  you,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts.” 

u  In  that  day,  will  I  take  thee,  0  Zerubbabel,  my 
servant,  the  son  of  Shealtiel,  saith  the  Lord,  and  will 
make  thee  as  a  signet:  for  I  have  chosen  thee.” 
Haggai  ii.  2 — 4,  23. 

“  The  hands  of  Zerubbabel  have  laid  the  foundation  of 
this  house;  his  hands  shall  also  finish  it;  and  thou 
shalt  know  that  the  Lord  of  hosts  hath  sent  me  unto 
you.  For  who  hath  despised  the  day  of  small  things  ? 
for  they  shall  rejoice,  and  shall  see  the  plummet  in  the 
hand  of  Zerubbabel,  with  those  seven.” — Zechakiah 
iv.  9,  10. 

u  In  that  day  will  I  raise  up  the  tabernacle  of  David 
that  is  fallen,  and  close  up  the  breaches  thereof,  and  I 
will  raise  up  his  ruins,  and  I  will  build  it  as  in  days 
of  old.” — Amos  ix.  11. 

“  In  that  day  will  I  raise  the  tabernacle  of  David  that 
is  fallen,  and  close  up  the  breaches  thereof,  and  I  will 
raise  up  his  ruins,  and  I  will  build  it  as  in  the  days  of 
old.” — Amos  ix.  11. 

“  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  had  made  an  end 
of  writing  the  words  of  this  law  in  a  book,  until  they 
were  finished,  that  Moses  commanded  the  Levites  which 
bare  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Take 
this  book  of  the  law,  and  put  it  in  the  side  of  the  ark 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


135 


of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  it  may  he 
there  for  a  witness  against  thee.” — Deut.  xxxi.  24-26. 

“  And  thou  shalt  put  the  mercy  seat  above,  upon  the 
ark ;  and  in  the  ark  thou  shalt  put  the  testimony  that  I 
shall  give  thee.” — Exodus  xx.  21. 

“  And  Moses  said,  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord 
commandeth,  Fill  an  omer  of  the  manna,  to  be  kept  for 
your  generations ;  that  they  may  see  the  bread  where¬ 
with  I  have  fed  you  in  the  wilderness,  when  I  brought 
you  forth  from  the  land  of  Egypt.  And  Moses  said 
unto  Aaron,  Take  a  pot,  and  put  an  omer  full  of  manna 
therein,  and  lay  it  up  before  the  Lord,  to  be  kept  for 
your  generations.  As  the  Lord  commanded  Moses,  so 
Aaron  laid  it  up  before  the  testimony  to  be  kept.” — 
Exodus  xvi.  32-34. 

“  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Bring  Aaron’s  rod 
again  before  the  testimony,  to  be  kept  for  a  token.” — 
Numbers  xvii.  10. 

“  For  there  was  a  tabernacle  made ;  the  first,  wherein 
was  the  candlestick,  and  the  table,  and  the  shew-bread, 
which  is  called  the  sanctuary.  And  after  the  vails,  the 
tabernacle,  which  is  called  the  Holiest  of  all ;  which  had 
the  golden  censer,  and  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  overlaid 
round  about  with  gold,  wherein  was  the  golden  pot  that 
had  manna,  and  Aaron’s  rod  that  budded,  and  the  tables 
of  the  covenant;  and  over  it  the  cherubims  of  glory, 
shadowing  the  mercy  seat,  of  which  we  cannot  now 
speak  particularly.” — Hebrews  ix.  2-5. 

“  And  God  spake  unto  Moses,  and  said  unto  him,  I 
am  the  Lord:  and  I  appeared  unto  Abraham,  unto 


136 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


Isaac,  and  unto  Jacob,  by  the  name  of  God  Almighty; 
but  by  my  name  JEHOYAH  was  I  not  known  to  them.” 
Exodus  vi.  2,  3. 

The  High  Priest  then  recites  the  following  passage, 
previous  to  investing  the  candidate  with  an  important 
secret  of  the  degree : 

“In  the  beginning  was  the  Word:  and  the  Word  was 
with  God,  and  the  Word  was  God.  The  same  was  in 
the  beginning  with  God.  All  things  were  made  by  him : 
and  without  him  was  not  anything  made  that  wTas  made. 
In  him  was  life,  and  the  life  was  the  light  of  men.  And 
the  light  shineth  in  darkness,  and  the  darkness  compre- 
hendeth  it  not.” — John  i.  1-5. 

KING  SOLOMON’S  TEMPLE. 

All  the  most  valued  associations  of  ancient  craft 
Masonry  are  connected  with  the  Temple  of  King 
Solomon.  It  was  upon  the  occasion  of  the  erection  of 
that  magnificent  and  costly  edifice  that  our  ancient 
operative  brethren  were  organized  with  such  admirable 
method  and  wisdom,  that  although  more  than  one  hun¬ 
dred  thousand  workmen  were  employed  therein  during 
seven  years,  yet  there  was  neither  disorder,  confusion, 
nor  delay  in  their  operations.  Many  interesting  events 
have  been  associated  with 

ITS  SITE. 

The  Temple  was  built  on  one  of  the  eminences  of 
Mount  Moriah. 

It  was  to  that  sacred  spot  that  the  steps  of  the 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


137 


Patriarch  Abraham,  and  of  the  unsuspecting  Isaac 
were  directed  by  God,  when  he  would  put  the  strength 
of  his  servant’s  faith  to  the  severest  test,  by  requir¬ 
ing  of  him  the  immolation  of  his  only  son  upon  the 
altar,  which  was  built  on  an  elevated  point  of  that  holy 
mountain.  That  spot  was  subsequently  the  scene  of  the 
crucifixion  of  our  blessed  Lord.  Time  has  changed  the 
features  of  the  place,  but  time  will  never  obliterate  from 
the  mind  of  man  the  scenes  which  have  transpired  on 
Calvary. 

It  was  there  that  King  David  built  an  altar  on  the 
threshing  floor  of  Ornon  the  Jebusite,  and  stayed  the 
hand  of  the  destroying  angel,  whose  sword  was  bathed 
in  heaven  for  the  destruction  of  the  people. 

The  traditions  of  the  craft  also  associate  with  that 
spot  tales  of  defection  and  treachery,  whereby  the 
virtuous  and  the  noble  perished. 

It  was  there  that  the  followers  of  the  false  prophet 
placed  the  Mosque  of  Omar  which  Daniel,  the  pro¬ 
phet,  calls  “  the  abomination  that  maketh  desolate.” 
The  combined  powers  of  Europe  were  not  able  to 
remove  that  abomination ;  seeing  that  the  Great  Archi¬ 
tect  would  reserve  that  sacred  site  for  some  future 
glorious  effort,  when  his  own  hand  shall  clear  away  the 
Moslem  rubbish;  and  craftsmen  shall  again  be  called 
from  the  rising  of  the  sun,  even  to  the  going  down 
thereof,  to  participate  in  the  erection  of  another  Temple 
for  the  worship  of  the  great  King. 

THE  BUILDING  OF  THE  TEMPLE 

was  commenced  three  years  subsequent  to  the  death  of 
King  David,  in  the  fourth  year  of  the  reign  of  Solomon, 
12  * 


138 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


and  about  three  thousand  years  from  the  creation  of 
the  world,  and  four  hundred  and  eighty  from  the 
Exode.  The  ground  was  broken,  and  the  craft  were 
summoned  to  their  work  on  the  second  day  of  the 
second  month  of  the  Jewish  year,  which  was  called  Zif, 
and  began  at  the  next  full  moon  after  the  Passover, 
which  is  better  known  in  Christian  countries  by  the 
name  of  Good  Friday. 

Nothing  can  impress  upon  the  mind  more  forcibly 
the  excellence  and  beauty  of  system  in  the  conduct  of 
all  great  undertakings,  than  the  contemplation  of  this 
remarkable  structure.  Its  various  parts  were  prepared 
by  different  craftsmen  who  operated  in  distant  places, 
and  under  varied  circumstances,  and  yet  when  the 
stones,  and  brass,  and  gold,  and  silver,  and  beams  of 
cedar,  were  all  gathered  in  from  Mount  Libanus,  and 
Gebal,  and  Zaredatha,  they  were  found  capable  of 
being  put  together  without  the  sound  of  a  hammer,  and 
as  they  thus  rose  in  solemn  silence,  the  mind  of  the 
beholder  was  bewildered  by  the  beauty  and  sublimity  of 
the  vast  design,  as  well  as  by  the  excellence  of  its  exe¬ 
cution. 

This  magnificent  structure  remained  during  more  than 
four  centuries  the  beauty  and  glory  of  the  earth.  But 
it  was  destined  to  outlive  the  gratitude  and  fealty  of  the 
people  whose  prosperity,  unity,  and  peace,  it  was  de¬ 
signed  to  promote.  In  the  reign  of  Zedekiah,  King 
of  Judah,  who  ruled  over  a  small  and  ignoble  remnant 
of  this  once  great  and  happy  nation,  Nebuchadnezzar, 
King  of  Babylon,  after  having  desolated  the  land  of 
Judea,  and  burnt  and  destroyed  its  villages,  came  to 
Jerusalem  and  besieged  and  -  sacked  the  city.  The 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


130 


Temple  was  utterly  desolated ;  its  sacred  vessels  of  gold 
and  silver,  and  brass,  with  the  two  great  brazen  pillars 
which  stood  before  its  gateway  were  carried  to  Babylon ; 
its  citizens  were  slain  until  the  streets  ran  with  their 
blood ;  and  those  who  escaped  the  sword  were  doomed 
to  languish  in  a  foreign  land,  and  in  a  state  of  slavery 
during  seventy  years,  until  they  should  be  brought  back 
again  by  their  sufferings  to  fealty  to  their  God. 

At  the  expiration  of  seventy  years,  and  upon  the 
occasion  of  the  accession  of  Cyrus,  King  of  Persia,  to 
the  throne  of  Chaldea  by  conquest,  the  Jews  were  per¬ 
mitted  to  return  to  their  own  land,  and  were  allowed  to 
engage  in  building 

THE  SECOND  TEMPLE. 

r_f he  motives  which  induced  Cyrus  to  favour  this  great 
and  glorious  enterprise  seem  to  have  been  the  result  of 
a  conviction  that  the  God  of  the  Hebrews  had  raised  him 
up,  and  given  him  his  kingdom,  and  prospered  him  in 
the  conquest  of  Chaldea  in  order  that  he  might  be  made 
the  instrument  of  the  return  of  the  Jews  to  Jerusalem, 
and  of  the  rebuilding  of  the  Temple.  For  while  he  was 
yet  without  the  walls  of  Babylon  the  prophecy  of  Isaiah 
was  shown  to  him,  in  which  he  had  been  called  by  name, 
and  all  the  great  events  of  his  life  accurately  described, 
more  than  a  century  before  he  was  born.  This  prophecy 
advised  him  of  the  means  by  which  he  should  be  enabled 
to  enter  Babylon,  which  had  hitherto  defied  all  his  efforts, 
until  his  army  had  begun  to  murmur  at  the  prolongation 
of  the  unprofitable  siege.  The  prophet  declared  that  by 
diverting  the  Euphrates,  which  passed  through  the  city, 
from  its  course,  and  drying  up  its  channel,  the  army  of 


140 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


Cyrus  should  be  enabled  to  pass  along  the  bed  of  the 
river,  and  thence  to  enter  the  city  through  the  twc 
leaved  or  double  gates  of  brass  which  protected  the 
thoroughfares  connecting  the  two  parts  of  the  city. 
During  the  bacchanalian  feast  of  Belshazzar  upon  the 
memorable  night  when  he  insulted  the  Majesty  of  hea¬ 
ven  by  calling  for  the  sacred  vessels  which  had  been 
brought  from  the  Temple  by  Nebuchadnezzar,  his 
drunken  guards  having  left  the  gates  which  overlooked 
the  river  unprotected,  Cyrus,  who  had  acted  upon  the 
prophet’s  hints,  gained  admission  to  the  city,  and  became 
possessed  of  the  vast  treasures  which  were  there  shut  up 
in  the  coffers  of  the  state,  and  which  Isaiah  called  the 
“  treasures  of  darkness.”  See  Isaiah,  ch.  xlvi.  from 
v.  26  to  v.  7  of  ch.  xlv. 

The  exact  manner  in  which  the  Hebrew  prophet  had 
foretold  the  fortunes  of  Cyrus,  made  a  deep  impression 
upon  his  mind,  and  he  determined  not  only  to  set  the 
captive  Jews  at  liberty,  but  also  to  aid  them  in  rebuild¬ 
ing  their  city  and  the  Temple  of  their  God. 

The  building  of  the  second  Temple  occupied  forty-six 
years,  and  was  prosecuted  amid  every  discouragement 
and  embarrassment  which  the  ingenuity  of  enemies  could 
invent,  or  the  treachery  of  false  friends  could  oppose  to 
its  progress.  As  the  Ancient  Master  Mason  met  with 
an  irreparable  loss  during  the  period  which  was  rendered 
glorious  by  the  building  of  the  Temple  of  Solomon,  so 
did  the  Boyal  Arch  Mason  realize  inestimable  advantage 
from  the  reorganization  of  the  craft  at  the  foundation  of 
the  second  Temple. 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


141 


CHARGE  TO  A  NEWLY  EXALTED  COMPANION. 

Worthy  Companion — By  the  consent  and  assistance 
of  the  members  of  this  Chapter,  you  are  now  exalted  to 
the  sublime  and  honourable  degree  of  Boyal  Arch  Ma¬ 
son.  The  rites  and  mysteries  developed  in  this  degree, 
have  been  handed  down  through  a  chosen  few,  un¬ 
changed  by  time,  and  uncontrolled  by  prejudice ;  and 
we  expect  and  trust,  they  will  be  regarded  by  you  with 
the  same  veneration,  and  transmitted  with  the  same 
scrupulous  purity  to  your  successors. 

No  one  can  reflect  on  the  ceremonies  of  gaining 
admission  into  this  place,  without  being  forcibly  struck 
with  the  important  lessons  which  they  teach.  Here  we 
are  necessarily  led  to  contemplate  with  gratitude  and 
admiration,  the  sacred  Source  from  wThence  all  earthly 
comforts  flow.  Here  we  find  additional  inducements  to 
continue  steadfast  and  immoveable  in  the  discharge  of 
our  respective  duties ;  and  here  we  are  bound  by  the 
most  solemn  ties,  to  promote  each  other’s  welfare,  and 
correct  each  other’s  failings,  by  advice,  admonition,  and 
reproof.  As  it  is  our  earnest  desire,  and  a  duty  we  owe 
to  our  companions  of  this  order,  that  the  admission  of 
every  candidate  into  this  chapter,  should  be  attended  by 
the  approbation  of  the  most  scrutinizing  eye,  we  hope 
always  to  possess  the  satisfaction  of  finding  none  among 
us,  but  such  as  will  promote,  to  the  utmost  of  their 
power,  the  great  end  of  our  institution.  By  paying  due 
attention  to  this  determination,  we  expect  you  will 
never  recommend  any  candidate  to  this  Chapter,  whose 
abilities,  and  knowledge  of  the  preceding  degrees,  you 
cannot  freely  vouch  for,  and  whom  you  do  not  firmly 


142 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


and  confidently  believe,  will  fully  conform  to  the  princi¬ 
ples  of  our  order,  and  fulfil  the  obligations  of  a  Royal 
Arch  Mason.  While  such  are  our  members,  we  may 
expect  to  be  united  in  one  object,  without  lukewarm¬ 
ness,  inattention  or  neglect ;  zeal,  fidelity  and  affection, 
will  be  the  distinguishing  characteristics  of  our  society, 
and  that  satisfaction,  harmony  and  peace  may  be  en¬ 
joyed  at  our  meetings,  which  no  other  society  can 
afford. 

[For  Closing  Prayer  see  Part  III.] 


EIGHTH  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY. 


ROYAL  MASTER. 


“  I  have  a  secret  errand  unto  thee,  O  king !  and  he  said,  Keep 
silence.”— Judges  iii.  19. 


The  degree  of  Royal  Master  is  given  to  none  but 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  forms  a  prelude  to  the  degree 
of  Select  Master,  with  which  it  is  intimately  allied.  It 
is  short,  but  contains  valuable  information,  and  qualifies 
us  to  determine  with  accuracy  the  claims  of  others  to  a 
participation  in  our  privileges,  and  confirms  our  own. 

The  following  Scriptures  are  suitable  for  its  lessons: 

“  And  Solomon  made  all  the  vessels  that  pertained 
unto  the  house  of  the  Lord ;  the  altar  of  gold,  and  the 
table  of  gold,  whereupon  the  shew-bread  was ;  and  the 
candlesticks  of  pure  gold;  five  on  the  right  side,  and 
five  on  the  left,  before  the  oracle ;  with  the  flowers,  and 
the  lamps,  and  the  tongs  of  gold ;  and  the  bowls,  and 
the  snuffers,  and  the  basons,  and  the  spoons,  and  the 
censers,  of  pure  gold ;  and  the  hinges  of  gold,  both  for 
the  doors  of  the  inner  house,  the  most  holy  place,  and 
for  the  doors  of  the  house,  to  wit,  of  the  Temple.  So 

(143) 


144 


royal  master. 


Hiram  made  an  end  of  doing  all  the  work,  that  he  had 
made  King  Solomon,  for  the  house  of  the  Lord,”. — 
1  Kings  vii.  48 — 50,  and  40. 

“  And  behold  I  come  quickly ;  and  my  reward  is  with 
me,  to  give  every  man  according  as  his  work  shall  he. 
I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end,  the 
first  and  the  last.  Blessed  are  they  that  do  his  com¬ 
mandments,  that  they  may  have  a  right  to  the  tree  of 
life,  and  may  enter  in  through  the  gates  into  the  city.” 
IIev.  xxii.  12 — 14. 

“And  he  set  the  cherubims  within  the  inner  house; 
and  they  stretched  forth  the  wings  of  the  cherubims,  so 
that  the  wing  of  the  one  touched  the  one  wall,  and  the 
wing  of  the  other  cherub  touched  the  other  wall ;  and 
their  wings  touched  one  another  in  the  midst  of  the 
house.” — 1  Kings  vi.  27. 

The  Ark,  called  the  glory  of  Israel,  which  was  seated 
in  the  middle  of  the  holy  place,  under  the  wings  of  the 
cherubim,  was  a  small  chest,  or  coffer,  three  feet  nine 
inches  long,  two  feet  three  inches  wide,  and  three  feet 
three  inches  high.  It  was  made  of  wood,  excepting  only 
the  mercy  seat,  but  overlaid  with  gold,  both  inside  and 
out.  It  had  a  ledge  of  gold  surrounding  it  at  the  top, 
into  which  the  cover,  called  the  mercy  seat,  was  let  in. 
The  mercy  seat  was  of  solid  gold,  the  thickness  of  a 
hand’s  breadth :  at  the  two  ends  of  it  were  two  cheru¬ 
bims,  looking  inwards  towards  each  other  with  their 
wings  expanded ;  which,  embracing  the  whole  circum¬ 
ference  of  the  mercy  seat,  met  on  each  side,  in  the 


ROYAL  MASTER. 


145 


middle ;  all  of  which,  the  Rabbins  say,  was  made  out  of 
the  same  mass,  without  any  soldering  of  parts. 

Here  the  Shekinah,  or  Divine  presence,  rested,  and 
was  visible  in  the  appearance  of  a  cloud.  From  hence 
the  Bathkoll  issued,  and  gave  answers  when  God  was 
consulted.  And  hence  it  is  that  God  is  said,  in  the 
Scriptures,  to  dwell  between  the  cherubim ;  that  is,  be¬ 
tween  the  cherubim  on  the  mercy  seat,  because  there 
was  the  seat  or  throne  of  the  visible  appearance  of  his 
glory  among  them. 


NINTH  DEGREE  IN  MASONRY 


SELECT  MASTER. 


“  And  gave  to  every  man  his  work,  and  commanded  the  porter  to 
watch.” — Mark  xiii.  34. 


“  ’Tis  night, 

E’en  in  the  zenith  of  her  dark  domain. 

Silence,  how  dread  !  and  darkness,  how  profound ! 
’Tis  as  the  general  pulse  of  life  stood  still, 

And  Nature  made  a  pause — an  awful  pause ! 

%  *  *  *  *  % 
Silence  and  darkness  !  sister  twins, 

From  ancient  Night,  who  nurse  the  tender  thought 
To  reason,  and  on  reason  build  resolve, 

That  column  of  true  majesty  in  man, 

Assist  me ;  I  will  thank  you  in  the  grave !” 

Young. 


We  here  reach  the  summit  and  perfection  of  ancient 
Masonry.  The  Royal  Arch  Mason  must  possess  the 
knowledge  here  given,  in  order  to  the  completion  of  his 
traditionary  lore.  The  history  of  those  valuable  de¬ 
posits,  which  lay  hidden  during  many  ages,  and  wero 
discovered  by  the  Gibblemites,  in  the  reign  of  Cyrus,  is 
here  imparted ;  and  the  arcana  of  the  ancient  Royal 

(147) 


SELECT  MASTER. 


149 


Craftsmen,  and  their  few,  skilful,  and  select  favourites 
brought  to  light.  Their  inflexible  justice  is  presented, 
blended  ’with  clemency  toward  a  Craftsman,  whose  zeal 
in  the  pursuit  of  Masonic  knowledge  led  him  to  disobe¬ 
dience. 


Psalm  to  be  read  on  Opening. 

“  His  foundation  is  in  the  holy  mountains.  The  Lord 
loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of 
Jacob.  Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  0  city  of 
God.  Selah.  I  will  make  mention  of  Rahab  and  Baby¬ 
lon,  to  them  that  know  me.  Behold  Philistia  and  Tyre, 
with  Ethiopia ;  this  man  was  born  there.  And  of  Zion 
it  shall  be  said,  This  and  that  man  was  born  in  her ; 
and  the  highest  himself  shall  establish  her.  The  Lord 
shall  count,  when  he  writeth  up  the  people,  that  this  man 
was  born  there.  Selah.  As  well  the  singers,  as  the 
players  on  instruments,  shall  be  there :  all  my  springs 
are  in  thee.” — Psalm  lxxxvii.  * 

13  * 


150 


SELECT  MASTER. 


The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  introduced 
and  explained : 

“So  King  Solomon  was  king  over  all  Israel.  Azariab, 
the  son  of  Nathan,  was  over  the  officers ;  and  Zabud, 
the  son  of  Nathan,  was  principal  officer,  and  the  king’s 
friend ;  and  Abishar  was  over  the  household ;  and 
Adoniram,  the  son  of  Abda,  was  over  the  tribute.” 
1  Kings  iv.  1,  5  and  6. 

“  And  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought  great 
stones,  costly  stones,  and  hewed  stones,  to  lay  the 
foundation  of  the  house.  And  Solomon’s  builders  and 
Hiram’s  builders  did  hew  them,  and  the  stone-squarers ; 
so  they  prepared  timber  and  stones  to  build  the  house.” 
1  Kings  v.  IT,  18. 

“And  King  Solomon  sent  and  fetched  Hiram  out  of 
Tyre.  He  was  a  widow’s  son,  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali; 
and  his  father  was  a  man  of  Tyre,  a  worker  of  brass ; 
and  he  was  filled  with  wisdom,  and  understanding,  and 
cunning,  to  work  all  works  in  brass.” — 1  Kings  vii. 
13,  14, 

“  The  ancients  of  Gebal,  and  the  wise  men  thereof, 
were  in  thee,  thy  calkers ;  all  the  ships  of  the  sea,  with 
their  mariners,  were  in  thee,  to  occupy  thy  merchandize.” 
Ezekiel  xxvii.  9. 

“And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  had  made  an  end 
of  writing  the  words  of  this  law  in  a  book,  until  they 
were  finishJtl,  that  Moses  commanded  the  Levites, 


152 


SELECT  MASTER. 


which  bore  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  saying, 
Take  this  book  of  the  law,  and  put  it  in  the  side  of  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  it  may 
be  there  for  a  witness  against  thee.’’ — Deut.  xxxi. 
24—26. 

“  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  a  pot,  and  put  an 
omer  full  of  manna  therein,  and  lay  it  up  before  the 
Lord,  to  be  kept  for  your  generations.  As  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses,  so  Aaron  laid  it  up  before  the  testi¬ 
mony  to  be  kept.” — Exodus  xvi.  33,  34. 

“  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Bring  Aaron’s  rod 
again  before  the  testimony,  to  be  kept  for  a  token.’’’ 
Numbers  xvii.  10. 

“  And  when  Moses  was  gone  into  the  tabernacle  of  the 
congregation,  to  speak  with  him,  then  he  heard  the 
voice  of  one  speaking  unto  him  from  off  the  mercy  seat, 
that  was  upon  the  ark  of  the  testimony,  from  between 
the  two  cherubims;  and  he  spake  unto  him.” — Numbers 
vii.  89. 

“  And  look  that  thou  make  them  after  their  pattern, 
which  was  shoived  thee  in  the  mount.” — Exodus  xxv.  40. 


CHARGE  TO  A  SELECT  MASTER. 

Companion — Having  attained  to  this  degree,  you 
have  passed  the  circle  of  perfection  in  ancient  Masonry. 
In  the  capacity  of  Select  Master,  you  must  be  sensible 
that  your  obligations  are  increased  in  proportion  to 


SELECT  MASTER. 


153 


your  privileges.  Let  it  be  your  constant  care  to  prove 
yourself  worthy  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  you,  and 
of  the  high  honour  conferred  on  you,  in  admitting  you 
to  this  select  degree.  Let  uprightness  and  integrity 
attend  your  steps ;  let  justice  and  mercy  mark  your 
conduct;  let  fervency  and  zeal  stimulate  you  in  the 
discharge  of  the  various  duties  incumbent  on  you ;  but 
suffer  not  an  idle  or  impertinent  curiosity  to  lead  you 
astray,  or  betray  you  into  danger.  Be  deaf  to  every 
insinuation  which  would  have  a  tendency  to  weaken  your 
resolution,  or  tempt  you  to  an  act  of  disobedience.  Be 
voluntarily  dumb  and  blind,  when  the  exercise  of  those 
faculties  would  endanger  the  peace  of  your  mind  or  the 
probity  of  your  conduct ;  and  let  silence  and  secrecy, 
those  cardinal  virtues  of  a  Select  Master,  on  all  neces¬ 
sary  occasions,  be  scrupulously  observed.  By  a  steady 
adherence  to  the  important  instructions  contained  in 
this  degree,  you  will  merit  the  approbation  of  the  select 
number  with  whom  you  are  associated,  and  will  enjoy 
the  high  satisfaction  of  having  acted  well  your  part  in 
the  important  enterprise  in  which  you  are  engaged ;  and 
after  having  wrought  your  regular  hours,  may  you  be 
admitted  to  participate  in  all  the  privileges  of  a  Select 
Master. 


1 .. 


. 


-  '  '  ••• 

.  - 


l 


<• 

,  ’  V  ‘  '• 


ORDER  OF  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


This  order  appertains  to  the  office  of  High  Priest  of 
a  Royal  Arch  Chapter;  and  no  one  can  be  legally 
entitled  to  receive  it,  until  he  has  been  duly  elected  to 
preside  as  High  Priest  in  a  regular  Chapter  of  Royal 
Arch  Masons.  This  order  should  not  he  conferred 
when  a  less  number  than  three  duly  qualified  High 
Priests  are  present.  Whenever  the  ceremony  is  per¬ 
formed  in  due  and  ample  form,  the  assistance  of  at  least 
nine  High  Priests,  who  have  received  it,  is  requisite. 

Though  the  High  Priest  of  every  regular  Royal  Arch 
Chapter,  having  himself  been  duly  qualified,  can  confer 
the  order,  under  the  preceding  limitation  as  to  number ; 
yet  it  is  desirable,  when  circumstances  will  permit,  that 
it  should  be  conferred  by  the  Grand  High  Priest  of  the 
Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  or  such  Present  or  Past 
High  Priest  as  he  may  designate  for  that  purpose.  A 
convention,  notified  to  meet  at  the  time  of  any  convoca¬ 
tion  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  will  afford  the  best  oppor¬ 
tunity  of  conferring  this  important  and  exalted  degree 
of  Masonry,  with  appropriate  solemnity.  Whenever  it 
is  conferred,  the  following  directions  are  to  be  observed. 

A  candidate  desirous  of  receiving  the  order  of  High 
Priesthood,  makes  a  written  request  to  his  predecessor 
in  office,  or  when  it  can  be  done  to  the  Grand  High 

(1551 


r 


15(3  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 

Priest,  respectfully  requesting  that  a  convention  of 
High  Priests  may  he  called,  for  the  purpose  of  con¬ 
ferring  on  him  the  order.  When  the  convention  meets, 
and  is  duly  organized,  a  certificate  of  the  due  election 
of  the  candidate  to  the  office  of  High  Priest,  must  be 
produced.  This  certificate  is  signed  by  his  predecessor 
in  office,  attested  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Chapter.  On 
examination  of  this  certificate,  the  qualifications  of  the 
candidate  are  ascertained.  The  solemn  ceremonies  of 
conferring  the  order  upon  him  then  ensue.  When 
ended,  the  presiding  officer  directs  the  Secretary  of  the 
convention  to  make  a  record  of  the  proceedings,  and 
return  it  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  to  be 
by  him  laid  before  the  Grand  High  Priest,  for  the 
information  of  all  whom  it  may  concern.  The  conven¬ 
tion  of  High  Priests  is  then  dissolved  in  due  form. 

It  is  the  duty  of  every  companion,  as  soon  after  his 
election  to  the  office  of  High  Priest  as  is  consistent  with 
his  personal  convenience,  to  apply  for  admission  to  the 
order  of  High  Priesthood,  that  he  may  be  fully  qualified 
properly  to  govern  his  Chapter. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  made  use  of 
during  the  ceremonies  appertaining  to  this  order. 

“  And  they  took  Lot,  Abraham’s  brother’s  son,  (who 
dwelt  in  Sodom,)  and  his  goods,  and  departed.  And 
there  came  one  that  had  escaped,  and  told  Abram,  the 
Hebrew ;  for  he  dwelt  in  the  plain  of  Mamre,  the  Amo- 
rite,  brother  of  Eschol,  and  brother  of  Aner ;  and  these 
were  confederate  with  Abram.  And  when  Abram  heard 
that  his  brother  was  taken  captive,  he  armed  his  trained 
servants,  born  in  his  own  house,  three  hundred  and 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


157 


eighteen,  and  pursued  them  unto  Dan.  And  he  divided 
himself  against  them,  he  and  his  servants,  by  night  and 
smote  them,  and  pursued  them  unto  Hobah,  which  is  on 
the  left  hand  of  Damascus.  And  he  brought  back  all 
the  goods,  and  also  brought  again  his  brother  Lot,  and 
his  goods,  and  the  women  also,  and  the  people.  And  the 
king  of  Sodom  went  out  to  meet  him,  (after  his  return 
from  the  slaughter  of  Chedorlaomer,  and  of  the  kings 
that  were  with  him,)  at  the  valley  of  Shevah,  which  is 
the  king’s  dale.  And  Melchisedek,  king  of  Salem, 
brought  forth  bread  and  wine :  and  he  was  the  priest  of 
the  Most  High  God.  And  he  blessed  him,  and  said, 
Blessed  be  Abram  of  the  Most  High  God,  who  hath 
delivered  thine  enemies  into  thy  hand.  And  he  gave 
him  tithes  of  all.  And  the  king  of  Sodom  said  to 
Abram,  Give  me  the  persons,  and  take  the  goods  to 
thyself.  And  Abraham  said  to  the.  king  of  Sodom,  I 
have  lifted  up  mine  hand  to  the  Lord,  the  Most  High 
God,  the  possessor  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  I  will  not 
take  from  a  thread  even  to  a  shoe-latchet ;  and  that  1 
will  not  take  anything  that  is  thine,  lest  thou  shouldst 
say,  I  have  made  Abram  rich  :  save  only  that  which  the 
young  men  have  eaten,  and  the  portion  of  the  men 
which  went  with  me,  Aner,  Eschol  and  Mamre,  let  them 
take  their  portion.” — Genesis  xiv.  12 — 24. 

“For  this  Melchisedek,  king  of  Salem,  priest  of  the 
Most  High  God,  (who  met  Abram  returning  from  the 
slaughter  of  the  kings,  and  blessed  him  ;  to  whom  also 
Abraham  gave  a  tenth  part  of  all ;  first  being,  by  in¬ 
terpretation,  King  of  Righteousness,  and  after  that  also, 
King  of  Salem,  which  is,  King  of  Peace :  without 
father,  without  mother,  without  descent ;  having  neither 
14 


158 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


beginning  of  days,  nor  end  of  life ;  but  made  like  unto 
the  Son  of  God,)  abideth  a  priest  continually.  Now 
consider  how  great  this  man  was,  unto  whom  even  the  ' 
patriarch  Abraham  gave  the  tenth  of  the  spoils.  And 
verily,  they  that  are  of  the  sons  of  Levi,  who  receive 
the  office  of  the  priesthood,  have  a  commandment  to 
take  tithes  of  the  people,  according  to  the  law,  that  is, 
of  their  brethren,  though  they  come  out  of  the  loins  of 
Abraham. 

For  he  testifieth,  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever,  after  the 
order  of  Melchisedek. 

And  inasmuch  as  not  without  an  oath,  he  was  made 
priest. 

For  those  priests  (under  the  Levitical  law)  were  made 
without  an  oath ;  but  this  with  an  oath,  by  him  that  said 
unto  him,  The  Lord  sware,  and  will  not  repent,  Thou 
art  a  priest  for  ever,  after  the  order  of  Melchisedek.” — 
Hebrews  vii.  1 — 6. 

“And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  Speak 
unto  Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons,  saying,  On  this  wise  ye 
shall  bless  the  children  of  Israel,  saying  unto  them, 
The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee :  the  Lord  make  his 
face  to  shine  upon  thee  and  be  gracious  unto  thee ;  the 
Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee  and  give  thee 
peace.” 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


159 


Ceremonies  and  Charges  upon  the  Installation  of 
the  Officers  of  a  Royal  Arch  Chapter. 

1.  The  Grand  Officers  will  meet  at  a  convenient  place 
and  open. 

2.  The  subordinate  Chapter  will  meet  in  the  outer 
courts  of  their  Hall,  and  form  an  avenue  for  the  recep¬ 
tion  of  the  Grand  Officers. 

3.  When  formed,  they  will  dispatch  a  committee  to 
the  place  where  the  Grand  Officers  are  assembled,  to 
inform  the  Grand  Marshal  that  the  Chapter  is  prepared 
to  receive  them.  The  Grand  Marshal  will  announce  the 
committee,  and  introduce  them  to  the  Grand  Officers. 

4.  The  Grand  Officers  will  move  in  procession,  con¬ 
ducted  by  the  committee,  to  the  Hall  of  the  Chapter,  in 
the  following  order : 


Grand  Tyler ; 

Two  Grand  Stewards ; 

Representatives  of  subordinate  Chapters,  according  to 
seniority,  by  threes  triangular ; 

Three  Great  Lights ; 

Orator,  Chaplain,  and  other  Clergy ; 

Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer,  and  Grand  Royal 

Arch  Captain ; 

Grand  P.  Sojourner,  Grand  Captain  of  the  Host,  and 
Deputy  Grand  High  Priest ; 

Grand  Scribe,  Grand  King,  and  Grand  High  Priest ; 
(Grand  Marshal  on  the  left  of  the  Procession.) 


160 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


When  the  Grand  High  Priest  enters,  the  grand 
honours  are  given. 

5.  The  Grand  Secretary  will  then  call  over  the  names 
of  the  officers  elect,  and  the  Grand  High  Priest  will  ask 
whether  they  accept  their  respective  offices.  If  they 
answer  in  the  affirmative,  he  then  asks  the  members 
whether  they  remain  satisfied  with  their  choice.  If  they 
answer  in  the  affirmative,  he  directs  their  officers  to  ap¬ 
proach  the  sacred  volume,  and  become  qualified  for  In¬ 
stallation,  agreeably  to  the  fourth  section  of  the  fourth 
article  of  the  General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution. 

6.  The  Grand  Marshal  will  then  form  the  whole  in 
procession,  and  they  will  march  through  the  veils  into 
the  inner  apartment,  where  they  will  surround  the  altar, 
which  is  previously  prepared  in  ample  form  for  the 
occasion.  • 

T.  All  present  will  kneel,  and  the  following  prayer 
will  be  recited. 

PRAYER. 

“  Almighty  and  Supreme  High  Priest  of  Heaven  and 
Earth !  Who  is  there  in  heaven  but  thee !  and  who 
upon  earth  can  stand  in  competition  with  thee !  Thy 
OMNISCIENT  Mind  brings  all  things  in  review,  past, 
present,  and  to  come;  thine  OMNIPOTENT  Arm 
directs  the  movements  of  the  vast  creation;  thine 
OMNIPRESENT  Eye  pervades  the  secret  recesses  of 
every  heart ;  thy  boundless  beneficence  supplies  us  with 
every  comfort  and  enjoyment;  and  thine  unspeakable 
perfections  and  glory  surpass  the  understanding  of  the 
children  of  men !  Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  wc 
invoke  thy  benediction  upon  the  purposes  of  our  present 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


161 


assembly.  Let  this  Chapter  be  established  to  thine 
honour ;  let  its  officers  be  endowed  with  wisdom  to  dis¬ 
cern,  and  fidelity  to  pursue,  its  true  interests ;  let  its 
members  be  ever  mindful  of  the  duty  they  owe  to  their 
God,  the  obedience  they  owe  to  their  superiors,  the  love 
they  owe  to  their  equals,  and  the  good  will  they  owe  to 
all  mankind.  Let  this  Chapter  be  consecrated  to  thy 
glory,  and  its  members  ever  exemplify  their  love  to  God 
by  their  beneficence  to  man. 

“  Glory  be  to  God  on  high.” 

[Response.] 

“  Amen  !  So  mote  it  be.” 

They  are  then  qualified  in  due  form. 

All  the  Companions,  except  High  Priests  and  Past 
High  Priests,  are  then  desired  to  withdraw,  while  the 
new  High  Priest  is  solemnly  bound  to  the  performance 
of  his  duties ;  and  after  the  performance  of  other  neces¬ 
sary  ceremonies,  not  proper  to  be  written,  they  are  per¬ 
mitted  to  return. 

8.  The  whole  then  repair  to  their  appropriate  stations, 
when  the  Grand  Marshal  will  form  a  general  procession 
in  the  following  order  : 

Three  Royal  Arch  Stewards,  with  Rods; 

Tyler  of  a  Blue  Lodge ; 

Entered  Apprentices ; 

Fellow  Crafts ; 

Master  Masons ; 

14  * 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 

Stewards  of  Lodges,  having  Jewels ; 

Deacons  having  Jewels ; 

Secretaries  having  Jewels ; 

Treasurers  having  J ewels ; 

Wardens  having  Jewels; 

Mark  Master  Masons ; 

M.  E.  Masters; 

Royal  Arch  Masons  by  three ; 

Royal  Masters  by  three  ; 

Select  Masters  by  three ; 

Orders  of  Knighthood; 

Tyler  of  the  new  Chapter ; 

Members  of  the  new  Chapter,  by  three ; 

Three  Masters  of  Veils  ; 

Secretary,  Treasurer,  R.  A.  Captain,  and 
P.  Sojourner  carrying  the  Ark; 

L  Companion  carrying  the  Pot  of  Incense; 

Two  Companions  carrying  Lights; 

Scribe,  High  Priest  and  King ; 

Grand  Chapter,  as  before  prescribed. 

On  arriving  at  the  church,  or  house  where  the  services 
are  to  be  performed,  they  halt,  open  to  the  right  and 
left,  and  face  inward,  while  the  Grand  Officers  and 
others  in  succession,  pass  through  and  enter  the  house. 

9.  The  officers  and  members  of  the  new  Chapter,  and 
also  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  being  seated,  the  Grand 
Marshal  proclaims  silence,  and  the  ceremonies  com¬ 
mence. 

10.  An  Anthem  or  Ode  is  to  be  performed. 

11.  An  Oration  or  Address  is  to  be  delivered. 

12.  An  Ode  or  piece  of  Music. 


162 


m 

O 

W 

o 

rd 

«4H 

O 

d 

•  rH 

a 

o3 

o 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


163 


*  [13.  The  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest  then  rises  and 
informs  the  Grand  High  Priest,  that  “  a  number  of  Com¬ 
panions,  duly  instructed  in  the  sublime  mysteries,  being 
desirous  of  promoting  the  honour,  and  propagating  the 
principles  of  the  Art,  have  applied  to  the  Grand  Chapter 
for  a  warrant  to  constitute  a  new  Chapter  of  Royal 
Arch  Masons,  which  having  been  obtained,  they  are  now 
assembled  for  the  purpose  of  being  constituted,  and 
having  their  officers  installed  in  due  and  ancient  form.] 

[14.  The  Grand  Marshal  will  then  form  the  officers 
and  members  of  the  new  Chapter  in  front  of  the  Grand 
Officers ;  after  which,  the  Grand  High  Priest  directs  the 
Grand  Secretary  to  read  the  warrant.] 

[15.  The  Grand  High  Priest  then  rises  and  says,  “  By 
virtue  of  the  high  powers  in  me  vested,  I  do  form  you, 
my  respected  Companions,  into  a  regular  Chapter  of 
Royal  Arch  Masons.  From  henceforth  you  are  author¬ 
ized  and  empowered  to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge  of  Mark 
Masters,  Past  Masters,  and  Most  Excellent  Masters,  and 
a  Chapter  of' Royal  Arch  Masons;  and  to  do  and  per¬ 
form  all  such  things  as  thereunto  may  appertain ;  con¬ 
forming  in  all  your  doings,  to  the  General  Grand  Royal 
Arch  Constitution,  and  the  general  regulations  of  the 
State  Grand  Chapter.  And  may  the  God  of  your 
fathers  be  with  you,  guide  and  direct  you  in  all  your 
doings.”] 

16.  The  furniture,  clothing,  jewels,  implements,  uten¬ 
sils,  &c.,  belonging  to  the  Chapter,  (having  been  previ- 

*  Note.  The  paragraphs  enclosed  with  brackets,  apply  exclu¬ 
sively  to  cases  where  new  Chapters  are  constituted,  and  their  offi¬ 
cers  installed  for  the  first  time.  The  rest  apply  equally  to  such 
cases,  and  to  annual  Installations. 


164 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


ously  placed  in  the  centre,  in  front  of  the  Grand  Offi¬ 
cers,  covered,)  are  now  uncovered,  and  the  new  Chapter 
is  dedicated  in  due  and  ancient  form. 

17.  The  Dedication  then  follows,  the  Grand  Chaplain 
saying : 

“  To  our  Most  Excellent  Patron,  ZERUBBABEL, 
we  solemnly  dedicate  this  Chapter.  May  the  blessing 
of  our  Heavenly  High  Priest  descend  and  rest  upon  its 
members,  and  may  their  felicity  be  immortal. 

“  Glory  be  to  God  on  high.” 

[Response  by  the  Companions.] 

“  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be,  world  without  end  !  Amen. 

“  So  mote  it  be.” 

18.  The  Grand  Marshal  then  says,  “  I  am  directed 
to  proclaim,  and  I  do  hereby  proclaim  this  Chapter,  by 

the  name  of - Chapter,  duly  consecrated,  constituted 

and  dedicated.  This,”  &c.  &c. 

19.  An  Ode. 

20.  The  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest  will  then  present 
the  first  officer  of  the  new  Chapter  to  the  Grand  High 
Priest,  saying, 

Most  Excellent  Grand  High  Priest, 

I  present  you  my  worthy  Companion - , 

nominated  in  the  warrant,  to  be  installed  High  Priest 
of  this  [new]  Chapter.  I  find  him  to  be  skilful  in  the 
Royal  Art,  and  attentive  to  the  moral  precepts  of  our 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


165 


forefathers,  and  have  therefore  no  doubt  but  he  will 
discharge  the  duties  of  his  office  with  fidelity. 

The  Grand  High  Priest  then  addresses  him  as  follows : 

Most  Excellent, — 

I  feel  much  satisfaction  in  performing  my  duty  on 
the  present  occasion,  by  installing  you  into  the  office  of 
High  Priest  of  this  [new]  Chapter.  It  is  an  office 
highly  honourable  to  all  those  who  diligently  perform 
the  important  duties  annexed  to  it.  Your  reputed 
Masonic  knowledge,  however,  precludes  the  necessity  of 
a  particular  enumeration  of  those  duties.  I  shall  there¬ 
fore  only  observe,  that  by  a  frequent  recurrence  to  the 
constitution,  and  general  regulations,  and  constant  prac¬ 
tice  of  the  several  sublime  lectures  and  charges,  you 
will  be  best  able  to  fulfil  them ;  and  I  am  confident  that 
the  Companions  who  are  chosen  to  preside  with  you, 
will  give  strength  to  your  endeavours,  and  support  your 
exertions.  I  shall  now  propose  certain  questions  to 
you,  relative  to  the  duties  of  your  office,  and  to  which  I 
must  request  your  unequivocal  answer. 

1.  Do  you  solemnly  promise  that  you  will  redouble 
your  endeavours  to  correct  the  vices,  purify  the  morals, 
and  promote  the  happiness  of  those  of  your  Companions, 
who  have  attained  this  sublime  degree  ? 

2.  That  you  will  never  suffer  your  Chapter  to  b<? 
opened,  unless  there  be  present  nine  regular  .Royal 
Arch  Masons  ? 

3.  That  you  will  never  suffer  either  more  or  less  than 
three  brethren  to  be  exalted  in  your  Chapter  at  one  and 
the  same  time  ? 


1G6 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


4.  That  you  will  not  exalt  any  one  to  this  degree, 
who  has  not  shown  a  charitable  and  humane  disposition; 
or  who  has  not  made  a  considerable  proficiency  in  the 
foregoing  degrees  ? 

5.  That  you  will  promote  the  general  good  of  our 
order,  and  on  all  proper  occasions,  be  ready  to  give  and 
receive  instructions,  and  particularly  from  the  General 
and  State  Grand  Officers  ? 

6.  That,  to  the  utmost  of  your  power,  you  will  pre¬ 
serve  the  solemnities  of  our  ceremonies,  and  behave,  in 
open  Chapter,  with  the  most  profound  respect  and 
reverence,  as  an  example  to  your  Companions  ? 

7.  That  you  will  not  acknowledge  or  have  intercourse 
with  any  Chapter  that  does  not  work  under  a  constitu¬ 
tional  warrant  or  dispensation  ? 

8.  That  you  will  not  admit  any  visitor  into  your 
Chapter,  who  has  not  been  exalted  in  a  Chapter  legally 
constituted,  without  his  being  first  formally  healed  ? 

9.  That  you  will  observe  and  support  such  by-laws 
as  may  be  made  by  your  Chapter,  in  conformity  to  the 
General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  the 
general  regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter  ? 

10.  That  you  will  pay  respect  and  due  obedience  to 
the  instructions  of  the  General  and  State  Grand  Officers, 
particularly  relating  to  the  several  Lectures  and  Charges, 
and  will  resign  the  chair  to  them,  severally,  when  they 
may  visit  your  Chapter  ? 

11.  That  you  will  support  and  observe  the  General 
Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  the  General  Regu¬ 
lations  of  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  under  whose 
authority  you  act  ? 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


1G7 


Do  you  submit  to  all  these  things,  and  do  you  pro¬ 
mise  to  observe  and  practice  them  faithfully  ? 

These  questions  being  answered  in  the  affirmative, 
the  Companions  all  kneel  in  due  form,  and  the  Grand 
High  Priest  or  Grand  Chaplain  repeats  the  following, 
or  some  other  suitable  prayer. 

“  Most  holy  and  glorious  Lord  God,  the  Great  High 
Priest  of  Heaven  and  Earth, 

uWe  approach  thee  with  reverence,  and  implore  thy 
blessing  on  the  Companion  appointed  to  preside  over 
this  new  assembly,  and  now  prostrate  before  thee ; — fill 
his  heart  with  thy  fear,  that  his  tongue  and  actions  may 
pronounce  thy  glory.  Make  him  steadfast  in  thy 
service ;  grant  him  firmness  of  mind ;  animate  his 
heart,  and  strengthen  his  endeavours ;  may  he  teach 
thy  judgments  and  thy  laws ;  and  may  the  incense  he 
shall  put  before  thee,  upon  thine  altar,  prove  an  ac¬ 
ceptable  sacrifice  unto  thee.  Bless  him,  0  Lord,  and 
bless  the  work  of  his  hands.  Accept  us  in  mercy ;  hear 
thou  from  Heaven  thy  dwelling-place,  and  forgive  our 
transgressions. 

“  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the 
Holy  Ghost;”  “  as  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now  and 
ever  shall  be,  world  without  end.” 

[Response.] 

66  So  mote  it  be.” 

21.  The  Grand  High  Priest  will  then  cause  the  High 
Priest  elect  to  be  invested  with  his  clothing,  badges,  &c. ; 
after  which  he  will  address  him  as  follows,  viz. 


168 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


Most  Excellent, — 

In  consequence  of  your  cheerful  acquiescence  with 
the  charges,  which  you  have  heard  recited,  you  are 
qualified  for  installation  as  the  High  Priest  of  this 
Royal  Arch  Chapter ;  and  it  is  incumbent  upon  me,  on 
this  occasion,  to  point  out  some  of  the  particulars  apper 
taining  to  your  office,  duty  and  dignity. 

All  legally  constituted  bodies  of  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
are  called  Chapters  ;  as  regular  bodies  of  Masons  of  the 
preceding  degrees,  are  called  Lodges.  Every  Chapter 
ought  to  assemble  for  work,  at  least  once  in  three 
months :  and  must  consist  of  a  High  Priest,  King, 
Scribe,  Captain  of  the  Host,  Principal  Sojourner, 
Royal  Arch  Captain,  three  Grand  Masters  of  the  Veils, 
Treasurer,  Secretary,  and  as  many  members  as  may  be 
found  convenient  for  working  to  advantage. 

The  officers  of  the  Chapter  officiate  in  the  Lodges, 
holden  for  conferring  the  preparatory  degrees,  according 
to  rank,  as  follows :  viz. 

The  High  Priest,  as  Master. 

The  King,  as  Senior  Warden. 

The  Scribe,  as  Junior  Warden. 

The  Captain  of  the  Host,  as  Marshal  or  Master  of 
Ceremonies. 

The  principal  Sojourner,  as  Senior  Deacon. 

The  Royal  Arch  Captain,  as  Junior  Deacon. 

The  Master  of  the  first  Veil,  as  Junior  Overseer. 

The  Master  of  the  second  Veil,  as  Senior  Overseer. 

The  Master  of  the  third  Veil,  as  Master  Overseer. 

The  Treasurer,  Secretary,  Chaplain,  Stewards,  and 
Tyler,  as  officers  of  corresponding  rank. 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


169 


The  High  Priest  of  every  Chapter  has  it  in  special 
charge,  to  see  that  the  by-laws  of  his  Chapter,  as  well 
as  the  General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  all 
the  regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  are  duly  observed: 
that  all  the  officers  of  his  Chapter  perform  the  duties 
of  their  respective  offices  faithfully,  and  are  examples 
of  diligence  and  industry  to  their  companions; — that 
true  and  accurate  records  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the 
Chapter  are  kept  by  the  Secretary ; — that  the  Treasurer 
keeps  and  renders  exact  and  just  accounts  of  all  the 
moneys  and  other  property  belonging  to  the  Chapter ; — 
that  the  regular  returns  be  made  annually  to  the  Grand 
Chapter ; — and  that  the  annual  dues  to  the  Grand 
Chapter  be  regularly  and  punctually  paid.  He  has 
the  right  and  authority  of  calling  his  Chapter  together 
at  pleasure,  upon  any  emergency  or  occurrence,  wdiicli 
in  his  judgment  may  require  their  meeting.  It  is  his 
privilege  and  duty,  together  with  the  king  and  scribe? 
to  attend  the  meetings  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  either  in 
person  or  by  proxy;  and  the  well-being  of  the  institu¬ 
tion  requires  that  his  duty  should  on  no  occasion  be 
omitted. 

The  office  of  High  Priest  is  a  station  highly  honour¬ 
able  to  all  those  who  diligently  perform  the  important 
duties  annexed  to  it.  By  a  frequent  recurrence  to  the 
constitution  and  general  regulations,  and  a  constant 
practice  of  the  several  sublime  lectures  and  charges,  you 
will  be  best  enabled  to  fulfil  those  duties ;  and  I  am 
confident  that  the  companions,  who  are  chosen  to  pre¬ 
side  with  you,  will  give  strength  to  your  endeavours, 
and  support  to  your  exertions. 

Let  the  Mitre  with  which  you  are  invested,  remind 
15 


170 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


yo.u  of  the  dignity  of  the  office  yon  sustain,  and  its 
inscription  impress  upon  your  mind  a  sense  of  your 
dependence  upon  God ; — that  perfection  is  not  given 
unto  man  upon  earth,  and  that  perfect  holiness  be- 
longeth  alone  unto  the  Lord. 

The  Breastplate,  with  which  you  are  decorated,  in 
imitation  of  that  upon  which  were  engraven  the  names 
of  the  twelve  tribes,  and  worn  by  the  High  Priest  of 
Israel,  is  to  teach  you  that  you  are  always  to  bear  in 
mind  your  responsibility  to  the  laws  and  ordinances  of 
the  institution,  and  that  the  honour  and  interests  of 
your  Chapter  and  its  members,  should  be  always  near 
your  heart. 

The  various  colours  of  the  Robes  you  wear,  are 
emblematical  of  every  grace  and  virtue  which  can  adorn 
and  beautify  the  human  mind ;  each  of  which  will  be 
briefly  illustrated  in  the  course  of  the  charges  to  be 
delivered  to  your  subordinate  officers. 

You  will  now  take  charge  of  your  officers,  standing 
upon  their  right,  and  present  them  severally  in  succes¬ 
sion  to  the  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  by  whom  they 
will  be  presented  to  me  for  installation. 

22.  The  High  Priest  of  the  Chapter  will  then  pre¬ 
sent  his- second  officer  to  the  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest, 
who  will  present  him  to  the  Grand  High  Priest  in  the 
words  of  the  Constitution.  The  Grand  High  Priest 
will  then  ask  him  whether  he  has  attended  to  the  an¬ 
cient  charges  and  regulations  before  recited  to  his 
superior  officer :  if  he  answers  in  the  affirmative,  he  is 
asked  whether  he  fully  and  freely  assents  to  the  same : 
if  he  answers  in  the  affirmative,  the  Grand  High  Priest 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


171 


directs  liis  Deputy  to  invest  him  with  his  clothing,  &c. 
and  then  addresses  him  as  follows,  viz. 


CHARGE  TO  THE  SECOND  OFFICER,  OR  KING. 

Excellent  Companion — The  important  station  to 
which  you  are  elected  in  this  Chapter,  requires  from 
you  exemplary  conduct :  its  duties  demand  your  most 
assiduous  attention ;  you  are  to  second  and  support 
your  chief  in  all  the  requirements  of  his  office ;  and 
should  casualities  at  any  time  prevent  his  attendance, 
you  are  to  succeed  him  in  the  performance  of  his  duties. 

Your  badge  (the  Level  surmounted  by  a  crown)  should 
remind  you,  that  although  you  are  the  representative 
of  a  King,  and  exalted  by  office  above  your  Companions, 
yet  that  you  remain  upon  a  level  with  them,  as  respects 
your  duty  to  God,  to  your  neighbour,  and  to  yourself ; 
that  you  are  equally  bound  with  them,  to  be  obedient  to 
the  laws  and  ordinances  of  the  institution,  to  be  charit¬ 
able,  humane  and  just,  and  to  seek  every  occasion  of 
doing  good. 

Your  office  teaches  a  striking  lesson'  of  humility. 
The  institutions  of  political  society  teach  us  to  consider 
the  king  as  the  chief  of  created  beings,  and  that  the 
first  duty  of  his  subjects  is  to  obey  his  mandates, — but 
the  institutions  of  our  sublime  degrees,  by  placing  the 
King  in  a  situation  subordinate  to  the  High  Priest, 
teach  us  that  our  duty  to  God  is  paramount  to  all 
other  duties,  and  should  ever  claim  the  priority  of  our 
obedience  to  man ;  and  that  however  strongly  we  may 
be  bound  to  obey  the  laws  of  civil  society,  yet  those 


172  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 

laws,  to  be  just,  should  never  intermeddle  with  matters 
of  conscience,  nor  dictate  articles  of  faith. 

The  Scarlet  Robe,  an  emblem  of  imperial  dignity, 
should  remind  you  of  the  paternal  concern  you  should 
ever  feel  for  the  welfare  of  your  Chapter,  and  the 
fervency  and  zeal  with  which  you  should  endeavour  to 
promote  its  prosperity. 

In  presenting  to  you  the  Crown,  which  is  an  emblem 
of  royalty,  I  would  remind  you,  that  to  reign  sovereign 
in  the  hearts  and  affections  of  men,  must  be  far  more 
grateful  to  a  generous  and  benevolent  mind,  than  to 
rule  over  their  lives  and  fortunes ;  and  that  to  enable 
you  to  enjoy  this  pre-eminence  with  honour  and  satisfac¬ 
tion,  you  must  subject  your  own  passions  and  prejudices 
to  the  dominion  of  reason  and  charity. 

You  are  entitled  to  the  second  seat  in  the  council  of 
your  Companions.  Let  the  bright  example  of  your 
illustrious  predecessor  in  the  Grand  Council  at  Jeru¬ 
salem,  stimulate  you  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  your 
duties ;  and  when  the  King  of  kings  shall  summon  you 
into  his  immediate  presence,  from  his  hand  may  you 
receive  a  crown  of  glory,  which  shall  never  fade  away. 

23.  The  King  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers, 
and  the  Scribe  will  be  presented  in  the  manner  before 
mentioned.  After  his  investiture,  the  Grand  High 
Priest  will  address  him  as  follows,  viz. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  THIRD  OFFICER,  OR  SCRIBE. 

Excellent  Companion — The  office  of  Scribe,  to 
which  you  are  elected,  is  very  important  and  respect¬ 
able.  In  the  absence  of  your  superior  officers,  you  arc 
bound  to  succeed  them,  and  to  perform  their  duties. 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


17a 


The  purposes  of  the  institution  ought  never  to  suffer  for 
want  of  intelligence  in  its  proper  officers ;  you  will 
therefore  perceive  the  necessity  there  is  of  your  possess¬ 
ing  such  qualifications  as  will  enable  you  to  accomplish 
those  duties  which  are  incumbent  upon  you,  in  your 
appropriate  station,  as  well  as  those  which  may  occa¬ 
sionally  devolve  on  you,  by  the  absence  of  your  supe¬ 
riors. 

The  Purple  Robe,  with  which  you  are  invested,  is  an 
emblem  of  union,  and  is  calculated  to  remind  you  that 
the  harmony  and  unanimity  of  the  Chapter  should  be 
your  constant  aim ;  and  to  this  end  you  are  studiously 
to  avoid  all  occasions  of  giving  offence,  or  countenancing 
anything  that  may  create  divisions  or  dissensions.  You 
are,  by  all  means  in  your  power,  to  endeavour  to  estab¬ 
lish  a  permanent  union  and  good  understanding  among 
all  orders  and  degrees  of  Masonry ;  and,  as  the  glorious 
sun,  at  its  meridian  height,  dispels  the  mist  and  clouds 
which  obscure  the  horizon,  so  may  your  exertions  tend 
to  dissipate  the  gloom  of  jealousy  and  discord,  whenever 
they  may  appear. 

Your  badge  (a  Plumb-rule  surmounted  by  the  Turban,) 
is  an  emblem  of  rectitude  and  vigilance ;  and  while  you 
stand  as  a  watchman  upon  the  tower,  to  guard  your. 
Companions  against  the  approach  of  those  enemies  of 
human  felicity,  intemperance  and  excess,  let  this  faith¬ 
ful  monitor  ever  remind  you  to  walk  uprightly  in  your 
station ;  admonishing  and  animating  your  Companions 
to  fidelity''  and  industry  while  at  labour,,  and  to  temper¬ 
ance  and  moderation  while  at  refreshment.  And,  when 
the  Great  Watchman  of  Israel,  whose  eye  never  slumbers 
nor  sleeps,  shall  relieve  you  from  your  post  on  earth, 
15  * 


174 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


may  he  permit  you  in  heaven  to  participate  in  that  food 
and  refreshment  which  is 

“Such  as  the  saints  in  glory  love, 

And  such  as  angels  eat.” 

24.  The  Scribe  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers, 
and  the  next  officer  be  presented  as  before. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  FOURTH  OFFICER,  OR  CAPTAIN  OF  THE 

HOST. 

Companion — The  office  with  wdiich  you  are  entrusted 
is  of  high  importance,  and  demands  your  most  zealous 
consideration.  The  preservation  of  the  most  essential 
traits  of  our  ancient  customs,  usages,  and  landmarks, 
are  within  your  province ;  and  it  is  indispensably  neces¬ 
sary,  that  the  part  assigned  to  you,  in  the  immediate 
practice  of  our  rites  and  ceremonies,  should  be  perfectly 
understood  and  correctly  administered. 

Your  office  corresponds  with  that  of  Marshal,  or 
Master  of  Ceremonies.  You  are  to  superintend  all 
processions  of  your  Chapter,  when  moving  as  a  distinct 
body,  either  in  public  or  private ;  and  as  the  world  can 
only  judge  of  our  private  discipline  by  our  public  de¬ 
portment,  you  will  be  careful  that  the  utmost  order  and 
decorum  be  observed  on  all  such  occasions.  You  will 
ever  be  attentive  to  the  commands  of  your  chief,  and 
always  near  at  hand  to  see  them  duly  executed.  I 
invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your  office,  and  presume 
that  you  will  give  to  your  duties  all  that  study  and 
attention  which  their  importance  demands. 

25.  lie  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers,  and  the 
next  officer  will  be  presented. 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD.  17‘) 

CHARGE  TO  THE  FIFTH  OFFICER,  OR  PRINCIPAL  SOJOURNER. 

Companion — The  office  confided  to  you,  though  sub¬ 
ordinate  in  degree,  is  equal  in  importance  to  any  in  the 
Chapter,  that  of  your  chief  alone  excepted.  Your  office 
corresponds  with  that  of  Senior  Deacon,  in  the  prepara¬ 
tory  degrees.  Among  the  duties  required  of  you,  the 
preparation  and  introduction  of  candidates  are  not  the 
least.  As  in  our  intercourse  with  the  world,  experience 
teaches  that  first  impressions  are  often  the  most  durable, 
and  the  most  difficult  to  eradicate ;  so  it  is  of  great 
importance,  in  all  cases,  that  those  impressions  should 
be  correct  and  just:  hence  it  is  essential  that  the  officer, 
who  brings  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not,  and 
leads  them  in  paths  that  they  have  not  known,  should 

always  be  well  qualified  to  make  darkness  light  before 

*  • 

them,  and  crooked  things  straight.  ~ 

Your  Robe  of  Office  is  an  emblem  of  humility ;  and 
teaches  that  in  the  prosecution  of  a  laudable  undertaking 
we  should  never  decline  taking  any  part  that  may  be 
assigned  us,  although  it  may  be  the  most  difficult  or 
dangerous. 

The  rose-coloured  tesselated  Border,  adorning  the 
robe,  is  an  emblem  of  ardor  and  perseverance,  and  sig. 
nifies,  that  when  we  have  engaged  in  a  virtuous  course, 
notwithstanding  all  the  impediments,  hardships,  and 
trials,  we  may  be  destined  to  encounter,  wre  should 
endure  them  all  with  fortitude,  and  ardently  persevere 
unto  the  end ;  resting  assured  of  receiving,  at  the  ter¬ 
mination  of  our  labours,  a  noble  and  glorious  reward. 
Your  past  exertions  will  be  considered  as  a  pledge  of 
your  future  assiduity  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  your 
duties. 


176 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


26.  He  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers,  and  the 
next  officer  is  presented. 


CHARGE  TO  THE  SIXTH  OFFICER,  OR  ROYAL  ARCH  CAPTAIN 

Companion — The  well-known  duties  of  your  station 
require  but  little  elucidation.  Your  office  in  the  pre¬ 
paratory  degrees  corresponds  with  that  of  Junior  Dea¬ 
con.  It  is  your  province,  conjointly  with  the  Captain 
of  the  Host,  to  attend  the  examination  of  all  visitors, 
and  to  take  care  that  none  are  permitted  to  enter  the 
Chapter,  hut  such  as  have  travelled  the  rugged  path  of 
trial,  and  evinced  their  title  to  our  favour  and  friend¬ 
ship.  You  will  be  attentive  to  obey  the  commands  of 
the.  Captain  of  the  Host,  during  the  introduction  of 
strangers  among  the  workmen ;  and  should  they  be  per¬ 
mitted  to  pass  your  post,  may  they  by  him  be  introduced 
into  the  presence  of  the  Grand  Council. 

The  White  Banner,  entrusted  to  your  care,  is  em¬ 
blematical  of  that  purity  of  heart  and  rectitude  of  con¬ 
duct  which  ought  to  actuate  all  those  who  pass  the 
white  veil  of  the  sanctuary.  I  give  it  to  you  strongly 
in  charge,  never  to  suffer  any  one  to  pass  your  post, 
without  the  signet  of  truth. 

I  present  you  the  badge  of  your  office,  in  expectation 
of  your  performing  your  duties  with  intelligence,  assi¬ 
duity  and  propriety. 

27.  He  then  retires,  and  the  Three  Grand  Masters 
of  the  Veils  are  presented  together. 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


177 


CHARGE  TO  THE  MASTER  OF  THE  THIRD  VEIL. 

Companion — I  present  you  with  the  Scarlet  Banner, 
which  is  the  ensign  of  your  office,  and  a  Sword  to 
protect  and  defend  the  same-  The  rich  and  beautiful 
colour  of  your  banner  is  emblematical  of  fervency  and 
zeal ;  it  is  the  appropriate  colour  of  the  Royal  Arch 
degree ;  it  admonishes  us,  that  we  should  be  ferment  in 
the  exercise  of  our  devotions  to  God,  and  zealous  in  our 
endeavours  to  promote  the  happiness  of  man. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  MASTER  OF  THE  SECOND  VEIL. 

Companion — I  invest  you  with  the  Purple  Banner, 
-which  is  the  ensign  of  your  office,  and  arm  you  with  a 
sword,  to  enable  you  to  maintain  its  honour. 

The  colour  of  your  banner  is  produced  by  a  due 
mixture  of  blue  and  scarlet ;  the  former  is  the  charac¬ 
teristic  colour  of  the  symbolic  or  first  three  degrees  of 
Masonry,  and  the  latter,  that  of  the  Royal  Arch  Degree. 
It  is  an  emblem  of  union,  and  is  the  characteristic  colour 
of  the  intermediate  degrees.  It  admonishes  us  to  cul¬ 
tivate  and  improve  that  spirit  of  union  and  harmony, 
between  the  brethren  of  the  symbolic  degrees  and  the 
companions  of  the  sublime  degrees,  which  should  ever 
distinguish  the  members  of  a  society  founded  upon  the 
principles  of  everlasting  truth  and  universal  philan¬ 
thropy. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  MASTER  OF  THE  FIRST  VEIh. 

Companion — I  invest  you  with  the  Blue  Banner, 
which  is  the  ensign  of  your  office,  and  a  sword  for  its 
defence  and  protection.  The  colour  of  your  banner  is 


178 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


one  of  the  most  durable  and  beautiful  in  nature.  It  is 
the  appropriate  colour  adopted  and  worn  by  our  ancient 
brethren  of  the  three  symbolic  degrees,  and  is  the  pecu¬ 
liar  characteristic  of  an  institution  which  has  stood  the 
test  of  ages,  and  which  is  as  much  distinguished  by  the 
durability  of  its  materials  or  principles,  as  by  the  beauty 
of  its  superstructure.  It  is  an  emblem  of  universal 
friendship  and  benevolence ;  and  instructs  us  that  in  the 
mind  of  a  Mason  those  virtues  should  be  as  expansive 
as  the  blue  arch  of  heaven  itself. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  THREE  MASTERS  OF  THE  VEILS,  AS 

OVERSEERS. 

Companions — Those  who  are  placed  as  overseers  of 
any  work,  should  be  well  qualified  to  judge  of  its  beau¬ 
ties  and  deformities,  its  excellencies  and  defects ;  they 
should  be  capable  of  estimating  the  former,  and  amend¬ 
ing  the  latter.  This  consideration  should  induce  you  to 
cultivate  and  improve  all  those  qualifications  with  which 
you  are  already  endowed,  as  well  as  to  persevere  in  your 
endeavours  to  acquire  those  in  which  you  are  deficient. 
Let  the  various  colours  of  the  banners  committed  to 
your  charge,  admonish  you  to  the  exercise  of  the  several 
virtues  of  which  they  are  emblematic;  and  enjoin  the 
practice  of  these  virtues  upon  all  who  shall  present 
themselves,  or  the  work  of  their  hands  for  your  in¬ 
spection.  Let  no  work  receive  your  approbation,  but 
such  as  is  calculated  to  adorn  and  strengthen  the  Ma¬ 
sonic  edifice.  Be  industrious  and  faithful  in  practising 
and  disseminating  a  knowledge  of  the  true  and  perfect 
work,  which  alone  can  stand  the  test  of  the  Grand 
Overseer’s  Square,  in  the  great  day  of  trial  and  retribu- 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


179 


tion.  Then,  although  every  rod  should  become  a  ser¬ 
pent,  and  every  serpent  an  enemy  to  this  institution, 
yet  shall  their  utmost  exertions  to  destroy  its  reputa¬ 
tion,  or  sap  its  foundation,  become  as  impotent  as  the 
leprous  hand,  or  as  water  spilled  upon  the  ground,  which 
cannot  be  gathered  up  again. 

28.  They  then  retire  and  the  Treasurer  is  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  TREASURER. 

Companion — You  are  elected  Treasurer  of  this  Chap¬ 
ter,  and  I  have  the  pleasure  of  investing  you  with  the 
badge  of  your  office.  The  qualities  which  should  re¬ 
commend  a  Treasurer,  are  accuracy  and  fidelity ;  accu¬ 
racy  in  keeping  a  fair  and  minute  account  of  all  receipts 
and  disbursements ;  fidelity,  in  carefully  preserving  all 
the  property  and  funds  of  the  Chapter,  that  may  be 
placed  in  his  hands,  and  rendering  a  just  account  of  the 
same,  whenever  he  is  called  upon  for  that  purpose.  I 
presume  that  your  respect  for  the  institution,  your 
attachment  to  the  interests  of  your  Chapter,  and  your 
regard  for  a  good  name,  which  is  better  than  precious 
ointment,  will  prompt  you  to  the  faithful  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  your  office. 

29.  He  then  retires,  and  the  Secretary  is  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SECRETARY. 

Companion — With  pleasure  I  invest  you  with  your 
badge  as  Secretary  of  this  Chapter.  The  qualities 
which  should  recommend  a  Secretary,  are,  promptitude 


180 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


in  issuing  the  notifications  and  orders  of  his  superior 
officers ;  punctuality  in  attending  the  convocations  of 
the  Chapter ;  correctness  in  recording  their  proceedings  ; 
judgment  in  discriminating  between  what  is  proper  and 
what  is  improper  to  he  committed  to  writing;  regularity 
in  making  his  annual  returns  to  the  Grand  Chapter  ■ 
integrity  in  accounting  for  all  moneys  that  may  pass 
through  his  hands ;  and  fidelity  in  paying  the  same  over 
into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer.  The  possession  of 
these  good  qualities,  I  presume,  has  designated  you  a 
suitable  candidate  for  this  important  office ;  and  I 
cannot'  entertain  a  doubt  that  you  will  discharge  its 
duties  beneficially  to  the  Chapter,  and  honourably  to 
yourself.  And  when  you  shall  have  completed  the 
record  of  your  transactions  here  below,  and  finished  the 
term  of  your  probation,  may  you  be  admitted  into  the 
celestial  Grand  Chapter  of  saints  and  angels  and  find 
your  name  recorded  in  the  book  of  life  eternal. 

30.  He  then  retires,  and  the  Chaplain  is  presented. 
CHARGE  TO  THE  CHAPLAIN. 

E.  and  Rev.  Companion — You  are  appointed  Chap¬ 
lain  of  this  Chapter;  and  I  now  invest  you  with  this 
circular  jewel,  the  badge  of  your  office.  It  is  emblema¬ 
tical  of  eternity,  and  reminds  us  that  here  is  not  our 
abiding  place.  Your  inclination  will  undoubtedly  con¬ 
spire  with  your  duty,  when  you  perform  in  the  Chapter 
those  solemn  services  which  created  beings  should 
constantly  render  to  their  infinite  Creator  ;  and  which, 
when  offered  by  one  whose  holy  profession  is,  “  to  point 
to  heaven  and  lead  the  way,”  may,  by  refining  our 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


181 


morals,  strengthening  our  virtues,  and  purifying  our 
minds,  prepare  us  for  admission  into  the  society  of 
those  above,  whose  happiness  will  be  as  endless  as  it  is 
perfect. 

31.  He  then  retires,  and  the  Stewards  are  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  STEWARDS. 

Companions — 'Having  been  elected  Stewards  of  this 
Chapter,  I  have  the  pleasure  to  invest  you  with  the 
badges  of  your  office.  It  is  your  province  to  see  that 
every  necessary  preparation  is  made  for  the  con¬ 
venience  and  accommodation  of  the  Chapter,  previous 
to  the  time  appointed  for  meeting.  You  are  to  see  that 
the  clothing,  implements,  and  furniture  of  each  degree 
respectively,  are  properly  disposed,  and  in  suitable 
array  for  use  whenever  they  may  be  required,  and  that 
they  are  properly  cared  for  when  the  business  of 
the  Chapter  is  over.  You  are  to  see  that  necessary 
refreshments  are  provided,  and  that  all  your  com¬ 
panions,  and  particularly  visitors,  are  suitably  accom¬ 
modated  and  supplied.  You  are  to  be  frugal  and 
prudent  in  your  disbursements,  and  to  be  careful  that 
no  extravagance  or  waste  is  committed  in  your  depart¬ 
ment  ;  and  when  you  have  faithfully  fulfilled  your 
stewardship  here  below,  may  you  receive  from  Heaven 
the  happy  greeting  of  “  Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servants.” 

32.  They  then  retire,  and  the  Tyler  is  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  TYLER. 

Companion — You  are  appointed  Tyler  of  this  Chap 

ter,  and  I  invest  you  with  the  badge,  and  this  implement 

1G 


182  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD 

* 

of  your  office.  As  the  sword  is  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  Tyler,  to  enable  him  effectually  to  guard  against  the 
approach  of  all  cowans  and  eavesdroppers,  and  suffer 
none  to  pass  or  repass  but  such  as  are  duly  qualified ; 
so  it  should  morally  serve  as  a  constant  admonition  to 
us  to  set  a  guard  at  the  entrance  of  our  thoughts ;  to 
place  a  watch  at  the  door  of  our  lips ;  to  post  a  sentinel 
at  the  avenue  of  our  actions ;  thereby  excluding  every 
unqualified  and  unworthy  thought,  word  or  deed,  and 
preserving  consciences  void  of  offence  towards  God  and 
towards  man. 

As  the  first  application  from  visitors  for  admission 
into  the  Chapter  is  generally  made  to  the  Tyler  at  the 
door,  your  station  will  often  present  you  to  the  observa¬ 
tion  of  strangers ;  it  is  therefore  essentially  necessary 
that  he  who  sustains  the  office  with  which  you  are 
entrusted,  should  be  a  man  of  good  morals,  steady  habits, 
strict  discipline,  temperate,  affable  and  discreet.  I 
trust  that  a  just  regard  for  the  honour  and  reputation 
of  the  institution  will  ever  induce  you  to  perform  with 
fidelity  the  trust  reposed  in  you ;  and  when  the  door 
of  this  earthly  tabernacle  shall  be  closed,  may  you  find 
an  abundant  entrance  through  the  gates  into  the  temple 
and  city  of  our  God. 

88.  He  will  then  retire,  and  there  follows  an 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  HIGH  PRIEST. 

M.  E.  Companion — Having  been  honoured  with  the 
free  suffrages  of  the  members  of  this  Chapter,  you  are 
elected  to  the  most  important  office  which  is  within  their 
power  to  bestow.  This  expression  of  their  esteem  and 


HIGH  I5  KIES  T  H  O  O  D  . 


183 


respect  should  draw  from  you  corresponding  sensations ; 
and  your  demeanor  should  he  such  as  to  repay  the 
honour  they  have  so  conspicuously  conferred  upon  you, 
by  an  honourable  and  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  your  office.  The  station  you  are  called  to  fill,  is 
important,  not  only  as  it  respects  the  correct  practice 
of  our  rites  and  ceremonies,  and  the  internal  economy 
of  the  Chapter  over  which  you  preside ;  but  the  public 
reputation  of  the  institution  will  be  generally  found  to 
rise  or  fall  according  to  the  skill,  fidelity  and  discretion, 
with  which  its  concerns  are  managed,  and  in  proportion 
as  the  characters  and  conduct  of  its  principal  officers 
are  estimable  or  censurable. 

You  have  accepted  a  trust,  to  which  is  attached  a 
weight  of  responsibility  that  will  require  all  your  efforts 
to  discharge  honourably  to  yourself,-  and  satisfactorily 
to  the  Chapter.  You  are  to  see  that  your  officers  are 
capable  and  faithful  in  the  exercise  of  their  offices. 
Should  they  lack  ability,  you  are  expected  to  supply 
their  defects ;  you  are  to  watch  carefully  the  progress 
of  their  performances,  and  to  see  that  the  long-estab¬ 
lished  customs  of  the  institution  suffer  no  derangement 
in  their  hands.  You  are  to  have  a  careful  eye  over  the 
general  conduct  of  the  Chapter ;  to  see  that  due  order  and 
subordination  are  observed  on  all  occasions ;  that  the 
members  are  properly  instructed;  that  due  solemnity 
be  observed  in  the  practice  of  our  rites ;  that  no  im¬ 
proper  levity  be  permitted  at  any  time,  but  more 
especially  at  the  introduction  of  strangers  among  the 
workmen. 

In  fine,  you  are  to  be  an  example  to  your  officers  and 
members,  which  they  need  not  hesitate  to  follow ;  thus 


184 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


securing  to  yourself  the  favour  of  Heaven,  and  the 
applause  of  your  brethren  and  companions. 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  OFFICERS  GENERALLY. 

Companions  in  Office — Precept  and  example  should 
ever  advance  with  equal  pace.  Those  moral  duties 
which  you  are  required  to  teach  unto  others,  you  should 
never  neglect  to  practice  yourselves. 

Do  you  desire  that  the  demeanor  of  your  equals  and 
inferiors  towards  you,  should  be  marked  with  deference 
and  respect  ?  Be  sure  that  you  omit  no  opportunity 
of  furnishing  them  with  examples  in  your  own  conduct 
towards  your  superiors.  Do  you  desire  to  obtain  in¬ 
struction  from  those  who  are  more  wise  or  better  in¬ 
formed  than  yourselves  ?  Be  sure  that  you  are  always 
ready  to  impart  of  your  knowledge  to  those  within  your 
sphere,  who  stand  in  need  of,  and  are  entitled  to  receive 
it.  Do  you  desire  distinction  among  your  companions? 
Be  sure  that  your  claims  to  preferment  are  founded 
upon  superior  attainments ;  let  no  ambitious  passion  bo 
suffered  to  induce  you  to  envy  or  supplant  a  companion 
who  may  be  considered  as  better  qualified  for  promotion 
than  yourselves ;  but  rather  let  a  laudable  emulation 
induce  you  to  strive  to  excel  each  other  in  improvement 
and  discipline :  ever  remembering,  that  he,  who  faith¬ 
fully  performs  his  duty,  even  in  a  subordinate  or  private 
station,  is  as  justly  entitled  to  esteem  and  respect,  as 
he  who  is  invested  with  supreme  authority. 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  CHAPTER  AT  LARGE. 

Companions — The  exercise  and  management  of  the 
sublime  degrees  of  Masonry  in  your  Chapter  hitherto, 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


L85 


are  so  highly  appreciated,  and  the  good  reputation  of 
the  Chapter  so  well  established,  that  I  must  presume 
these  considerations  alone,  were  there  no  others  of 
greater  magnitude,  would  be  sufficient  to  induce  you  to 
preserve  and  to  perpetuate  this  valuable  and  honourable 
character.  But  when  to  this  is  added  the  pleasure 
which  every  philanthropic  heart  must  feel  in  doing 
good,  in  promoting  good  order,  in  diffusing  light  and 
knowledge,  in  cultivating  Masonic  and  Christian  charity, 
which  are  the  great  objects  of  this  sublime  institution,  I 
cannot  doubt  that  your  future  conduct,  and  that  of  your 
successors,  will  be  calculated  still  to  increase  the  lustre 
of  your  justly  esteemed  reputation. 

May  your  Chapter  become  beautiful  as  the  temple, 
peaceful  as  fhe  ark,  and  sacred  as  its  most  holy  place. 
May  your  oblations  of  piety  and  praise  be  grateful  as 
the  incense ;  your  love  warm  as  its  flame,  and  your 
charity  diffusive  as  its  fragrance.  May  your  hearts  be 
pure  as  the  altar,  and  your  conduct  acceptable  as  the 
offering.  May  the  exercises  of  your  charity  be  as 
constant  as  the  returning  wants  of  the  distressed  widow 
and  helpless  orphan.  May  the  approbation  of  Heaven 
be  your  encouragement,  and  the  testimony  of  a  good 
conscience  your  support :  may  you  be  endowed  with 
every  good  and  perfect  gift,  while  travelling  the  rugged 
path  of  life,  and  finally  be  admitted  within  the  veil  of 
heaven  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  life  eternal.  Amen. 
So  mote  it  be. 

34.  The  officers  and  members  of  the  Chapter  will 
then  pass  in  review  in  front  of  the  Grand  Officers,  with 
their  hands  crossed  on  their  breasts,  bowing  as  they 
pass. 


1G  * 


1SG 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


85.  The  Grand  Marshal  will  then  proclaim  the  Chap¬ 
ter,  by  the  name  of - ,  to  be  regularly  constituted, 

and  its  officers  duly  installed. 

36.  The  ceremonies  conclude  with  an  Ode,  or  appro¬ 
priate  piece  of  music. 

37.  The  procession  is  then  formed,  when  they  return 
to  the  place  from  whence  they  set  out. 

38.  When  the  Grand  officers  retire,  the  Chapter  will 
form  an  avenue  for  them  to  pass  through,  and  salute 
them  with  the  grand  honours.  The  two  bodies  then 
separately  close  their  respective  Chapters. 


CONSTITUTION 


OF  THE 

GENERAL  GRAND  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER 

OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


ARTICLE  I. 

OF  THE  GENERAL  GRAND  CHAPTER. 

Sect.  1.  There  shall  he  a  General  Grand  Chapter  of 
Royal  Arch  Masons  for  the  United  States  of  America, 
which  shall  he  holden  as  is  hereinafter  directed,  and 
shall  consist  of  a  General  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy 
General  Grand  High  Priest,  General  Grand  King, 
General  Grand  Scribe,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  Chaplain, 
and  Marshal ;  and  likewise  of  the  several  Grand  and 
Deputy  Grand  High  Priests,  Kings,  and  Scribes,  for 
the  time  being,  of  the  several  State  Grand  Chapters, 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  this  General  Grand  Chapter ; 
and  of  the  Past  General  Grand  High  Priests,  Deputy 
General  Grand  High  Priests,  Kings,  and  Scribes,  of 
the  said  General  Grand  Chapter;  and  the  aforesaid 

(187) 


188 


CONSTITUTION. 


officers,  or  their  proxies,  shall  be  the  only  members  and 
voters  in  said  General  Grand  Chapter.  And  no  person 
shall  be  constituted  a  proxy,  unless  he  be  a  present  or 
past  officer  of  this  or  a  State  Grand  Chapter. 

Sect.  2.  The  General  Grand  Chapter  shall  meet 
septennially,  on  the  second  Thursday  in  September,  for 
the  choice  of  officers,  and  other  business :  dating  from 
the  second  Thursday  in  September,  A.  D.  1805,  at  such 
place  as  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  appointed. 

Sect.  3,  A  special  meeting  of  the  General  Grand 
Chapter  shall  be  called  whenever  the  General  Grand 
High  Priest,  Deputy  General  Grand  High  Priest, 
General  Grand  King,  and  General  Grand  Scribe,  or 
any  two  of  them  may  deem  it  necessary;  and  also 
whenever  it  may  be  required  by  a  majority  of  the 
Grand  Chapters  of  the  States  aforesaid,  provided  such 
requisition  be  made  known  in  writing,  by  the  said 
Grand  Chapters  respectively,  to  the  General  Grand 
High  Priest,  Deputy  General  Grand  High  Priest,  King 
or  Scribe.  And  it  shall  be.  the  duty  of  the  said  General 
Officers,  and  they  are  each  of  them  severally  authorized, 
empowered  and  directed,  upon  receiving  official  notice 
of  such  requisition  from  a  majority  of  the  General 
Grand  Chapters  aforesaid,  to  appoint  a  time  and  place 
of  meeting,  and  notify  each  of  the  State  Grand  Chapters 
thereof  accordingly. 

Sect.  4.  It  shall  be  incumbent  on  the  General  Grand 
High  Priest,  Deputy  General  Grand  High  Priest, 
General  Grand  King,  and  General  Grand  Scribe, 


CONSTITUTION. 


ISO 


severally  to  improve  and  perfect  themselves  in  the 
sublime  Arts,  and  work  of  Mark  Masters,  Past  Masters, 
Most  Excellent  Masters,  and  Royal  Arch  Masons ;  to 
make  themselves  Masters  of  the  several  Masonic  Lec¬ 
tures  and  Ancient  Charges ;  —  to  consult  with  each 
other,  and  with  the  Grand  and  Deputy  Grand  High 
Priests,  Kings  and  Scribes  of  the  several  States  afore¬ 
said,  for  the  purpose  of  adopting  measures  suitable  and 
proper  for  diffusing  a  knowledge  of  the  said  Lectures 
and  Charges,  and  an  uniform  mode  of  working,  in  the 
several  Chapters  and  Lodges  throughout  this  jurisdic¬ 
tion  ;  and  the  better  to  effect  this  laudable  purpose,  the 
aforesaid  General  Grand  Officers  are  severally  hereby 
authorized,  and  empowered,  to  visit  and  preside  in  any 
and  every  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  Lodge 
of  Most  Excellent,  Past,  or  Mark  Master  Masons, 
throughout  the  said  States,  and  to  give  such  instruc¬ 
tions  and  directions  as  the  good  of  the  Fraternity  may 
require ;  always  adhering  to  the  ancient  landmarks  of 
the  order. 

Sect.  5.  In  all  cases  of  the  absence  of  any  Officer 
from  any  body  of  Masons,  instituted  or  holden  by  virtue 
of  this  Constitution,  the  officer  next  in  rank  shall  suc¬ 
ceed  his  superior ;  unless  through  courtesy  said  Officer 
should  decline  in  favour  of  a  past  superior  Officer  pre¬ 
sent.  And  in  case  of  the  absence  of  all  the  Officers 
from  any  legal  meeting  of  either  of  the  bodies  aforesaid, 
;he  members  present,  according  to  seniority,  and  abili¬ 
ties,  shall  fill  the  several  Offices. 

Sect.  6.  In  every  Chapter  or  Lodge  of  Masons, 


190 


CONSTITUTION. 


instituted  or  holden  by  virtue  of  this  Constitution,  all 
questions  (except  upon  the  admission  of  members  or 
candidates)  shall  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes ; 
the  presiding  Officer  for  the  time  being  being  entitled 
to  vote,  if  a  Member ;  and  in  case  the  votes  should  at 
any  time  be  equally  divided,  the  presiding  Officer  as 
aforesaid,  shall  give  the  casting  vote. 

Sect.  7.  The  General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter 
shall  be  competent  (on  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  its 
members  present)  at  any  time  hereafter,  to  revise,  amend 
and  alter  this  Constitution. 

Sect.  8.  In  case  any  casualty  should,  at  any  time 
hereafter,  prevent  the  septennial  election  of  Officers,  the 
several  General  Grand  Officers  shall  sustain  their  re¬ 
spective  offices  until  successors  are  duly  elected  and 
qualified. 

Sect.  9.  The  General  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy 
General  Grand  High  Priest,  General  Grand  King,  and 
General  Grand  Scribe,  shall  severally  have  power  and 
authority  to  institute  new  Royal  Arch  Chapters,  and 
Lodges  of  the  subordinate  degrees,  in  any  State  in 
which  there  is  not  a  Grand  Chapter  regularly  estab¬ 
lished.  But  no  new  Chapter  shall  be  instituted  in  any 
State  wherein  there  is  a  Chapter  or  Chapters  holden 
under  the  authority  of  this  Constitution,  without  a 
recommendation  from  the  Chapter  nearest  the  residence 
of  the  petitioners.  The  fees  for  instituting  a  new  Royal 
Arch  Chapter,  with  the  subordinate  degrees,  shall  be 
ninety  dollars ;  and  for  a  new  Mark  Master’s  Lodge, 


CONSTITUTION. 


191 


twenty  dollars ;  exclusive  of  such  compensation  to  the 
Grand  Secretary,  as  the  Grand  Officers  aforesaid  may 
deem  reasonable. 


ARTICLE  II. 

OF  THE  STATE  GRAND  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTERS. 

Sect.  1.  The  state  grand  chapters  shall  severally 
consist  of  a  Grand  High  Priest,  Deputy  Grand  High 
Priest,  Grand  King,  Grand  Scribe,  Grand  Secretary, 
Grand  Treasurer,  Grand  Chaplain,  and  Grand  Marshal, 
and  likewise  of  the  High  Priests,  Kings  and  Scribes, 
for  the  time  being,  of  the  several.  Chapters  over  which 
they  shall  respectively  preside,  and  of  the  Past  Grand 
and  Deputy  Grand  High  Priests,  Kings  and  Scribes  of 
the  said  Grand  Chapters ;  and  the  said  enumerated 
officers  (or  their  proxies)  shall  be  the  only  members  and 
voters  in  the  said  Grand  Chapters  respectively. 

Sect.  2.  The  State  Grand  Chapters  shall  severally 
be  holden  at  least  once  in  every  year,  at  such  times 
and  places  as  they  shall  respectively  direct;  and  the 
Grand  or  Deputy  Grand  High  Priests  respectively,  for 
the  time  being,  may  at  any  time  call  a  special  meeting, 
to  be  holden  at  such  place  as  they  shall  severally  think 
proper  to  appoint. 

Sect.  3.  The  Officers  of  the  State  Grand  Chapters 
shall  be  chosen  annually,  by  ballot,  at  such  time  and 


192 


CONSTITUTION. 


place  as  the  said  Grand  Chapters  shall  respectively 
direct. 

Sect.  4.  The  several  State  Grand  Chapters  (subject 
to  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution)  shall  have  the  sole 
government  and  superintendence  of  the  several  Royal 
Arch  Chapters,  and  Lodges  of  most  Excellent,  Past  and 
Mark  Master  Masons,  within  their  respective  jurisdic¬ 
tions  ;  to  assign  their  limits  and  settle  controversies  that 
may  happen  between  them ; — and  shall  have  power,  under 
their  respective  seals,  and  the  sign  manual  of  their  re¬ 
spective  Grand  or  Deputy  Grand  High  Priests,  Kings 
and  Scribes,  (or  their  legal  proxies,)  attested  by  their 
respective  Secretaries,  to  constitute  new  Chapters  of 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  Lodges  of  Most  Excellent, 
Past,  and  Mark  Master  Masons,  within  their  respective 
jurisdictions. 

Sect.  5.  The  Grand  and  Deputy  Grand  High  Priests 
severally,  shall  have  the  power  and  authority,  whenever 
they  shall  deem  it  expedient,  (during  the  recess  of  the 
Grand  Chapter  of  which  they  are  officers,)  to  grant  Let¬ 
ters  of  Dispensation,  under  their  respective  hands,  and 
private  seals,  to  a  competent  number  of  petitioners  (pos¬ 
sessing  the  qualifications  required  by  the  9th  Section  of 
the  2d  Article,)  empowering  them  to  open  a  Chapter  of 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  Lodge  of  Most  Excellent  Past 
and  Mark  Master  Masons,  for  a  certain  specified  term 
of  time  :  provided,  that  the  said  term  of  time  shall  not 
extend  beyond  the  next  meeting  of  the  Grand  Chapter 
of  the  State  in  which  such  Dispensation  shall  be  granted ; 
and  provided  further,  that  the  same  fees  as  are  required 
by  this  Constitution  for  Warrants,  shall  be  first  deposited 
in  the  hands  of  the  Grand  Treasurer. — And  in  all  cases 


CONSTITUTION. 


193 


of  such  Dispensations,  the  Grand  or  Deputy  Grand  High 
Priests  respectively,  who  may  grant  the  same,  shall  make 
report  thereof,  at  the  next  stated  meeting  of  the  Grand 
Chapter  of  their  respective  jurisdictions,  when  the  said 
Grand  Chapters,  respectively,  may  either  continue  or 
recall  the  said  Dispensations,  or  may  grant  the  petition¬ 
ers  a  warrant  of  Constitution  :  And  in  case  such  warrant 
shall  be  granted,  the  fees  first  deposited  shall  be  credited 
in  payment  for  the  same ;  but  if  a  warrant  should  not 
be  granted,  nor  the  dispensation  continued,  the  said  fees 
shall  be  refunded  to  the  petitioners,  except  only  such 
part  thereof  as  shall  have  been  actually  expended  by 
means  of  their  application. 

Sect.  6.  The  several  State  Grand  Chapters  shall 
possess  authority,  upon  the  institution  of  new  Royal 
Arch  Chapters,  or  Lodges  of  Mark  Masters,  within 
their  respective  jurisdictions,  to  require  the  payment  of 
such  fees  as  they  may  deem  expedient  and  proper ; 
which  said  fees  shall  be  advanced  and  paid  into  the 
Treasury  before  a  warrant  or  charter  shall  be  issued. 

Sect.  7.  No  warrant  shall  be  granted,  for  instituting 
Lodges  of  Most  Excellent  or  Past  Masters,  independent 
of  a  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons. 

Sect.  8.  The  Grand  Chapters  severally,  shall  have 
power  to  require  from  the  several  Chapters  and  Lodges 
under  their  respective  jurisdictions,  such  reasonable  pro¬ 
portion  of  sums,  received  by  them  for  the  exaltation  or 
advancement  of  candidates,  and  such  certain  annual 
sums  from  their  respective  members,  as  by  their  ordi¬ 
nances  or  regulations  shall  hereafter  be  appointed ;  all 
which  said  sums  or  dues  shall  be  made  good,  and  paid 
17 


194 


CONSTITUTION. 


annually,  by  the  said  Chapters  and  Lodges  respectively, 
into  the  Grand  Treasury  of  the  Grand  Chapter  under 
which  they  hold  their  authority,  on  or  before  the  first 
day  of  the  respective  annual  meetings  of  the  said  Grand 
Chapters. 

Sect.  9.  No  waftant  for  the  institution  of  a  new 
Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  shall  be  granted,  except 
upon  the  petition  of  nine  regular  Royal  Arch  Masons ; 
which  petition  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  certificate 
from  the  Chapter  nearest  to  the  place  where  the  new 
Chapter  is  intended  to  be  opened,  vouching  for  the 
moral  characters,  and  masonic  abilities  of  the  petition¬ 
ers,  and  recommending  to  the  Grand  Chapter  under 
whose  authority  they  act,  to  grant  their  prayer.  And 
no  warrant  for  the  institution  of  a  Lodge  of  Mark  Master 
Masons  shall  be  granted,  except  upon  the  petition  of  (at 
least)  five  regular  Mark  Master  Masons,  accompanied 
by  vouchers  from  the  nearest  Lodge  of  that  degree  simi¬ 
lar  to  those  required  upon  the  institution  of  a  Chapter. 

Sect.  10.  The  Grand  Secretaries  of  the  State  Grand 
Chapters,  shall  severally  make  an  annual  communica¬ 
tion  to  each  other,  and  also  to  the  General  Grand  Sec¬ 
retary,  containing  a  list  of  the  Grand  Officers,  and  all 
such  other  matters  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  for  the 
mutual  information  of  the  said  Grand  Chapters.  And 
the  said  Grand  Secretaries  shall  also  regularly  transmit 
to  the  General  Grand  Secretary,  a  copy  of  all  their  by¬ 
laws  and  regulations. 

Sect.  11.  Whenever  there  shall  have  been  three  or 
more  Royal  Arch  Chapters  instituted  in  any  State,  by 
virtue  of  authority  derived  from  this  Constitution,  a 
Grand  Chapter  may  be  formed  in  such  State,  (with  the 


CONSTITUTION. 


195 


approbation  of  one  or  more  of  the  General  Grand  Offi¬ 
cers,)  by  the  High  Priests,  Kings  and  Scribes  of  the 
said  Chapters,  who  shall  be  authorized  to  elect  the 
Grand  Officers.  Provided  always,  that  no  new  State 
Grand  Chapter  shall  be  formed  until  after  the  expiration 
of  one  year  from  the  establishment  of  the  junior  Chapter 
in  such  State. 

Sect.  12.  The  several  Grand  and  Deputy  Grand 
High  Priests,  Kings,  and  Scribes,  for  the  time  being, 
of  the  several  State  Grand  Chapters,  are  bound  to  the 
performance  of  the  same  duties,  and  are  invested  with 
the  same  powers  and  prerogatives,  throughout  their 
respective  jurisdictions,  as  are  prescribed  to  the  Gene¬ 
ral  Officers,  in  the  4th  Section,  1st  Article,  of  this 
Constitution. 

Sect.  13.  The  jurisdiction  of  the  several  State  Grand 
Chapters,  shall  not  extend  beyond  the  limits  of  the  State 
in  which  they  shall  respectively  be  holden. 


ARTICLE  III. 

OF  THE  SUBORDINATE  CHAPTERS  AND  LODGES. 

Sect.  1.  All  legally  constituted  assemblies  of  Royal 
Arch  Masons  are  called  Chapters  ;  as  regular  bodies 
of  Mark  Masters,  Past  Masters,  and  Most  Excellent 
Masters,  are  called  Lodges.  Every  Chapter  ought  to 
assemble  for  work  at  least  once  in  every  three  months ; 
and  shall  consist  of  an  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe,  Cap¬ 
tain  of  the  Host,  Principal  Sojourner,  Royal  Arch  Cap¬ 
tain,  three  Grand  Masters,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and 


196 


CONSTITUTION. 


as  many  Members  as  may  be  found  convenient  for 
working  to  advantage. 

Sect.  2.  Every  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  and 
Lodge  of  Mark  Master  Masons,  throughout  this  juris¬ 
diction,  shall  have  a  warrant  of  Constitution  from  the 
Grand  Chapter  of  the  State  in  which  they  may  respec¬ 
tively  be  holden,  or  a  Warrant  from  one  of  the  General 
Grand  Officers.  And  no  Chapter  or  Lodge  shall  be 
deemed  legal  without  such  warrant ;  and  Masonic  com¬ 
munication  (either  public  or  private)  is  hereby  inter¬ 
dicted  and  forbidden,  between  any  Chapter  or  Lodge 
under  this  jurisdiction,  or  any  member  of  either  of  them, 
and  any  Chapter,  Lodge  or  Assembly,  that  may  be  so 
illegally  formed,  opened  or  holden,  without  such  war¬ 
rant,  or  any  or  either  of  their  members,  or  any  person 
exalted  or  advanced  in  such  illegal  Chapter  or  Lodge. 
But  nothing  in  this  section  shall  be  construed  to  affect 
any  Chapter  or  Lodge  which  was  established  before  the 
adoption  of  the  Grand  Boyal  Arch  Constitution  at 
Hartford,  (on  the  27th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1798.) 

Sect.  3.  Whenever  a  Warrant  is  issued  for  institut¬ 
ing  a  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  with  a  power  in 
said  Warrant  to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge  of  Most  Excel¬ 
lent,  Past,  and  Mark  Master  Masons,  the  High  Priest, 
King,  and  Scribe,  for  the  time  being,  of  such  Chapter, 
shall  be  the  Master  and  Wardens  in  said  Lodges,  ac¬ 
cording  to  seniority. 

Sect.  4.  All  applications  for  the  exaltation  or  ad¬ 
vancement  of  Candidates,  in  any  Chapter  or  Lodge, 
under  this  jurisdiction,  shall  lie  over,  at  least  one  meet¬ 
ing,  for  the  consideration  of  the  members. 


CONSTITUTION. 


197 


Sect.  5.  No  Mason  shall  be  a  member  of  two  separate 
and  distinct  bodies,  of  the  same  denomination,  at  one 
and  the  same  time. 

Sect.  6.  No  Chapter  shall  be  removed,  without  the 
knowledge  of  the  High  Priest,  nor  any  motion  made  for 
that  purpose  in  his  absence ;  but  if  the  High  Priest  be 
present,  and  a  motion  is  made  and  seconded,  for  remov¬ 
ing  the  Chapter  to  some  more  convenient  place,  (within 
the  limits  prescribed  in  their  Warrant,)  the  High  Priest 
shall  forthwith  cause  notifications  to  be  issued  to  all  the 
members,  informing  them  of  the  motion  for  removal,  and 
of  the  time  and  place  when  the  question  is  to  be  deter¬ 
mined  ;  which  notice  shall  be  issued  at  least  ten  days 
previous  to  the  appointed  meeting.  But  if  the  High 
Priest  (after  motion  duly  made  and  seconded  as  afore¬ 
said)  should  refuse  or  neglect  to  cause  the  notices  to  be 
issued  as  aforesaid,  the  officer  next  in  rank,  who  may 
be  present  at  the  next  regular  meeting  following,  (upon 
motion  made  and  seconded  for  that  purpose,)  may  in 
like  manner  issue  the  said  notices. 

Sict.  7.  All  Mark  Master  Masons’  Lodges  shall  be 
regulated,  in  cases  of  removal,  by  the  same  rules  as  are 
prescribed  in  the  foregoing  section  for  the  removal  of 
Chapters. 

Sect.  8.  The  High  Priest,  and  other  Officers,  of  every 
Chapter,  and  the  Officers  of  every  Lodge  of  Mark  Master 
Masons,  shall  be  chosen  annually,  by  ballot. 

Sect.  9.  The  High  Priest  of  every  Chapter  has  it  in 
special  charge,  as  appertaining  to  his  office,  duty  and 
dignity,  to  see  that  the  by-laws  of  his  Chapter,  as  well 
as  the  General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  the 
17  * 


198 


CONSTITUTION. 


General  Regulations  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  be  duly  ob¬ 
served  ;  that  all  the  other  officers  of  his  Chapter  perform 
the  duties  of  their  respective  offices  faithfully,  and  are 
examples  of  industry  and  diligence  to  their  companions ; 
that  true  and  exact  records  be  kept  of  all  the  proceed¬ 
ings  of  the  Chapter  by  the  Secretary ;  that  the  Treasu¬ 
rer  keep  and  render  exact  and  just  accounts  of  all  the 
moneys  belonging  to  the  Chapter ;  that  regular  returns 
be  made  by  the  Secretary,  annually,  to  the  Grand  Chap¬ 
ter,  of  all  admissions  of  candidates  or  members ;  and  that 
the  annual  dues  to  the  Grand  Chapter  be  regularly  and 
punctually  paid.  He  has  the  special  care  and  charge  of 
the  Warrant  of  his  Chapter.  He  has  the  right  and 
authority  of  calling  his  Chapter  at  pleasure,  upon  any 
emergency  or  occurrence  which  in  his  judgment  may 
require  their  meeting ;  and  he  is  to  fill  the  chair  when 
present.  It  is  likewise  his  duty,  together  with  his  King 
and  Scribe,  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the  Grand  Chapter 
(when  duly  summoned  by  the  Grand  Secretary)  either 
in  person,  or  by  proxy. 

Sect.  10.  For  the  preservation  of  secrecy  and  ^ood 
harmony,  and  in  order  that  due  decorum  may  be  ob¬ 
served  while  the  Chapter  is  engaged  in  business,  a 
worthy  Royal  Arch  Mason  is  to  be  appointed  from  time 
to  time  for  tyling  the  Chapter.  His  duty  is  fixed  by 
custom,  and  known  in  all  regular  Chapters.  He  may 
be  elected  annually,  but  is  to  continue  in  office  only 
during  good  behaviour,  and  is  to  be  paid  for  his  ser¬ 
vices. 

Sect.  11.  All  Lodges  of  Mark  Master  Masons  are 
bound  to  observe  the  two  preceding  articles,  as  far  as 
they  can  be  applied  to  the  government  of  a  Lodge. 


CONSTITUTION. 


199 


Sect.  12.  No  Chapter  shall  confer  the  degrees  of 
Mark  Master  Mason,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent 
Master,  and  Royal  Arch  Mason,  upon  any  brother,  for 
a  less  sum  than  twenty  dollars.  And  no  Lodge  of  Mark 
Master  Masons  shall  advance  a  brother  to  that  degree, 
for  a  less  sum  than  four  dollars. 

Sect.  13.  When  either  of  the  officers  or  members  of 
the  General  Grand  Chapter,  or  any  of  the  State  Grand 
Chapters,  cannot  personally  attend  their  respective 
meetings,  they  shall  severally  have  the  authority  to 
constitute  a  proxy,  which  proxy  shall  have  the  same 
right  to  a  seat  and  vote  as  his  constituent. 


ARTICLE  IV. 

OF  CONSTITUTING  NEW  CHAPTERS. 

Sect.  1.  [See  Order  of  High  Priesthood,  from  page 
122  to  156.] 

Sect.  2.  At  the  institution  of  all  Lodges  of  Mark 
Master  Masons,  under  this  jurisdiction,  the  same  cere¬ 
monies  as  are  prescribed  in  the  foregoing  section,  are  to 
be  observed,  as  far  as  they  will  apply  to  that  degree. 

Sect.  3.  Whenever  it  shall  be  inconvenient  for  the 
General  Grand  Officers,  or  the  Grand  or  Deputy  Grand 
High  Priests,  respectively,  to  attend  in  person,  to  con¬ 
stitute  a  new  Chapter  or  Lodge,  and  install  the  officers, 
they  shall  severally  have  power  and  authority  to  appoint 
some  worthy  High  Priest,  or  Past  High  Priest,  to  per¬ 
form  the  necessary  ceremonies. 


200 


CONSTITUTION. 


Sect.  4.  The  Officers  of  every  Chapter  and  Lodge 
under  this  jurisdiction,  before  they  enter  upon  the  exer¬ 
cise  of  their  respective  offices,  and  also  the  members  of 
all  such  Chapters  and  Lodges,  and  every  candidate, 
upon  his  admission  into  the  same,  shall  take  the  follow¬ 
ing  obligation,  viz. :  “  I,  A.  B.,  do  promise  and  swear, 
that  I  will  support  and  maintain  the  General  Grand 
Royal  Arch  Constitution.” 


I  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true  copy  of 
the  General  Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution  for  the 
United  States  of  America,  as  altered,  amended,  and 
ratified,  at  a  meeting  of  the  General  Grand  Chapter, 
begun  and  holden  at  New  York,  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  on  the  6th  day  of  June,  A.  D.  1816. 

Witness : 

JOHN  ABBOT,  G-.  (r,  Secretary . 


. 

I  • 

* 


ZERUBBABEL  WEEPING  OYER  THE  UNFINISHED 

TEMPLE. 


Vast  heaps  of  rubbish  rose  on  Zion’s  hill, 

And  told  of  bygone  days,  when  wrath  and  ruin  drove 
Their  ploughshare  o’er  that  sacred  spot. 

Near  by, 

As  if  in  mockery  of  long-cherished  hopes, 

There  rose  unfinished  walls,  the  craftsman  gone, 

The  trowel  rusting  on  the  half-set  stone ; 

And  silence  reigning  o’er  the  sad’ning  scene. 

Beside  a  ruined  altar  pile,  there  stood 
A  man  of  noble  mien  and  priestly  garb, — 

He  stood  and  wept, — then  lifting  up  his  eyes 
To  heaven,  methought  he  prayed. 


PART  II. 


THE  THREE  DEGREES  OF  KNIGHTHOOD. 

KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


“  Whom  shall  I  send,  and  who  will  go  for  us  ?  Then  said  I,  here 
am  I,  send  me.”  Isa.  vi.  8. 

“  Stand  therefore,  having  your  loins  girt  about  with  truth,  and 
having  on  the  breastplate  of  righteousness.”  Ephes.  vi.  14. 

ORIGIN  OF  THIS  ORDER. 

This  Degree  is  intimately  connected  with  the  Royal 
Arch,  both  in  its  origin  and  its  character.  Its  tradi¬ 
tionary  cabala  associate  it  with  Darius  the  Mede,  who 
reigned  in  Babylon  about  five  hundred  years  before  the 
Christian  era ;  its  ancient  designation  was  “  the  illus¬ 
trious  order  of  Knights  of  the  East.” 

Two  circumstances  have  combined  to  associate  it 
with  the  Encampment  degrees. 

1st,  it  is  said  to  have  been  introduced  by  the  templars, 
who  derived  it  from  the  Jews  of  Palestine,  during  tho 
crusades. 

2d,  they  gave  it  the  designation,  now  generally 
adopted,  “  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross.” 

In  accordance  with  the  prophecy  of  Daniel,  the  de¬ 
cree  to  rebuild  Jerusalem  was  signed  by  Cyrus,  70 

(203) 


204 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


weeks,  or  490  years  before  the  commencement  of  the 
Messiah’s  public  ministry.  But  owing  to  the  subtlety 
and  artifice  of  the  enemies  of  Israel,  this  great  and  glo¬ 
rious  undertaking  was  interrupted  before  the  Temple 
was  completed.  As  the  Boyal  Arch  Degree  is  connected 
with  the  commencement  of  the  second  Temple,  so  is  this 
illustrious  Order  associated  with  the  recommencement 
of  that  glorious  undertaking,  after  its  unhappy  inter¬ 
ruption. 

The  accession  of  Darius  the  son  of  Hystaspes,  the 
Mede,  to  the  throne  of  Persia,  his  remarkable  wisdom, 
the  nobleness  of  his  nature,  and  an  early  friendship, 
which  had  existed  between  him  and  Zerubbabel,  one  of 
the  Princes  of  Judea ;  all  combined  to  induce  the  latter 
to  undertake  a  long  and  hazardous  journey  through  the 
confines  of  hostile  tribes  to  the  Palace  at  Babylon,  in 
order  to  induce  the  King  to  fulfil  a  vow,  which  he  had 
once  made,  and  complete  the  rebuilding  of  the  Temple 
at  Jerusalem.  Circumstances  rendered  the  enterprise 
of  Zerubbabel  successful ;  and  to  perpetuate  the  renewal 
of  tlieir  friendship,  the  King  established  this  illustrious 
Order  of  Knights  of  the  East,  now  known  as  Bed  Cross 
Knights,  from  the  badge  which  distinguished  them  on 
their  return  from  the  Crusades  in  the  Holy  Land. 

The  assemblies  of  this  order  are  called  Councils.  They 
wear  green  sashes,  decorated  with  sword  and  trowel,  and 
trimmed  with  scarlet.  The  Presiding  officer  wears  a 
triple  triangle,  and  green  collar  with  scarlet  trimming. 
The  officers  of  a  regular  Council  are  Sovereign  Master, 
Chancellor,  Master  of  Palace,  Prelate,  Master  of  Fi¬ 
nances,  Master  of  Dispatches,  Master  of  Cavalry,  Mas 
ter  of  Infantry,  Standard  Bearer,  Sword  Bearer,  War 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CRO*SS. 


205 


der,  and  Sentinel.  None  can  receive  this  Degree  of 
Knighthood  unless  he  is  a  Royal  Arch  Mason. 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 

The  Sovereign  Master  is  seated  upon  a  throne  in  the 
East ;  the  drapery  of  the  throne  is  green ;  a  green  ban¬ 
ner  is  suspended  above ;  a  triple  triangle  and  Red  Cross 
appear  upon  the  banner ;  on  the  right  of  the  throne  are 
the  Chancellor  and  Prelate ;  on  the  left,  the  Master  of 
the  Palace;  in  front  of  the  throne,  on  the  right,  the 
Master  of  Finance,  and  Master  of  Cavalry ;  on  the  left, 
Master  of  Dispatches,  and  Master  of  Infantry.  The 
Standard  Bearer  is  seated  in  the  West,  with  the  Sword 
Bearer  on  his  right,  and  Warder  on  his  left.  The 
Knights  arrange  themselves  on  either  side  of  the  throne 
in  front. 

Prayer  at  the  opening  of  a  Council,  Part  III.  No.  10. 


FIRST  LESSON. 

Now  in  the  second  year  of  their  coming  unto  the 
house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  in  the  second  month,  began 
Zerubbahel  the  son  of  the  Shealtiel,  and  Jeshua  the  son 
of  Jozadak,  and  the  remnant  of  their  brethren  the  priests 
and  the  Levites,  and  all  they  that  were  come  out  of  the 
captivity  unto  Jerusalem;  and  appointed  the  Levites, 
from  twenty  years  old  and  upward,  to  set  forward  the 
work  of  the  house  of  the  Lord.  Then  stood  Jeshua 
with  his  sons  and  his  brethren,  Kadmiel  and  his  sons, 
18 


206 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


the  sons  of  Judah,  together,  to  set  forward  the  workmen 
in  the  house  of  God ;  the  sons  of  Henadad,  with  their 
sons  and  their  brethren  the  Levites.  And  when  the 
builders  laid  the  foundation  of  the  temple  of  the  Lord, 
they  set  the  priests  in  their  apparel  with  trumpets ;  and 
the  Levites,  the  sons  of  Asaph,  with  cymbals,  to  praise 
the  Lord,  after  the  ordinance  of  David,  king  of  Israel. 
And  they  sang  together  by  course,  in  praising  and  giv¬ 
ing  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  because  he  is  good,  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever  towards  Israel.  And  all  the 
people  shouted  with  a  great  shout,  when  they  praised  the 
Lord,  because  the  foundation  of  the  house  of  the  Lord 
was  laid. — Ezra  iii.  8 — 11. 

Now  when  the  adversaries  of  Judah  and  Benjamin 
heard  that  the  children  of  the  captivity  builded  the 
temple  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  then  they  came  to 
Zerubbabel,  and  to  the  chief  of  the  fathers,  and  said  unto 
them,  Let  us  build  with  you ;  for  we  seek  your  God,  as 
ye  do ;  and  we  do  sacrifice  unto  Him  since  the  days  of 
Esarhaddon  king  of  Assur,  which  brought  us  up  hither. 
But  Zerubbabel,  and  Jeshua,  and  the  rest  of  the  chief 
of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  said  unto  them,  Ye  have  no¬ 
thing  to  do  with  us  to  build  an  house  unto  our  God ;  but 
we  ourselves  together  will  .build  unto  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  as  king  Cyrus  the  king  of  Persia  hath  com¬ 
manded  us.  Then  the  people  of  the  land  weakened  the 
hands  of  the  people  of  Judah,  and  troubled  them  in 
building,  and  hired  counsellors  against  them,  to  frus¬ 
trate  their  purpose,  all  the  days  of  Cyrus  king  of 
Persia,  even  until  the  reign  of  Darius  king  of  Persia. 
And  in  the  reign  of  Ahasuerus,  in  the  beginning  of  his 


KNIUHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


207 


reign,  'wrote  they  unto  him  an  accusation  against  the 
inhabitants  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem. 

And  in  the  days  of  Artaxerxes  wrote  Bishlam,  Mith- 
redath,  Tabeel,  and  the  rest  of  their  companions,  unto 
Artaxerxes  king  of  Persia ;  and  the  writing  of  the  letter 
was  written  in  the  Syrian  tongue.  Then  wrote  Rehum  the 
chancellor,  and  Shimshai  the  scribe,  and  the  rest  of  their 
companions ;  the  Dinaites,  the  Apharsathchites,  the  Tar- 
pelites,  the  Apharsites,  the  Archevites,  the  Babylonians, 
the  Susanchites,  the  Dehavites,  and  the  Elamites,  and 
the  rest  of  the  nations  whom  the  great  and  noble  As- 
napper  brought  over,  and  set  in  the  cities  of  Samaria, 
and  the  rest  that  are  on  this  side  the  river,  unto 
Artaxerxes  the  king :  Thy  servants  the  men  on  this 
side  the  river,  and  at  such  a  time.  Be  it  known 
unto  the  king,  that  the  Jews  which  came  up  from  thee 
to  us  are  come  unto  Jerusalem,  building  the  rebellious 
and  bad  city,  and  have  set  up  the  walls  thereof,  and 
joined  the  foundations.  Be  it  known  now  unto  the 
king,  that,  if  this  city  be  builded,  and  the  walls  set  up 
again,  then  will  they  not  pay  toll,  tribute,  and  custom, 
and  so  thou  shalt  endamage  the  revenue  of  the  kings. 
Now  because  we  have  maintenance  from  the  king’s 
palace,  and  it  was  not  meet  for  us  to  see  the  king’s  dis¬ 
honour,  therefore  have  we  sent  and  certified  the  king, 
that  search  may  be  made  in  the  book  of  the  records  of 
thy  fathers :  so  shalt  thou  find  in  the  book  of  the  re¬ 
cords,  and  know  that  this  city  is  a  rebellious  city  and 
hurtful  unto  kings  and  provinces,  and  that  they  have 
moved  sedition  within  the  same  of  old  time :  for  which 
cause  was  this  city  destroyed.  We  certify  the  king, 
that,  if  this  city  be  builded  again,  and  the  walls  set  up, 


208 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


by  this  means  thou  shalt  have  no  portion  on  this  side 
the  river. 

Then  sent  the  king  an  answer  unto  Rehum  the  chan¬ 
cellor,  and  to  Shimshai  the  scribe,  and  to  the  rest  of 
their  companions  that  dwell  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the 
rest  beyond  the  river,  Peace  and  at  such  a  time.  The 
letter  which  ye  sent  unto  us  hath  been  plainly  read  be¬ 
fore  me.  And  I  commanded,  and  search  hath  beei 
made,  and  it  is  found  that  this  city  of  old  time  hath 
made  insurrection  against  kings,  and  that  rebellion  and 
sedition  have  been  made  therein.  There  have  been 
mighty  kings  also  over  Jerusalem,  which  have  ruled 
over  all  countries  beyond  the  river ;  and  toll,  tribute, 
and  custom,  was  paid  unto  them.  Give  ye  now  com¬ 
mandment  to  cause  these  men  to  cease,  and  that  this 
city  be  not  builded,  until  another  commandment  shall 
be  given  .from  me.  Take  heed  now  that  ye  fail  not  to 
do  this :  why  should  damage  grow  to  the  hurt  of  the 
kings  ? 

Now  when  the  copy  of  King  Artaxerxes’  letter  was 
read  before  Rehum,  and  Shimshai  the  scribe,  and  their 
companions,  they  went  up  in  haste  to  Jerusalem  unto 
the  Jews,  and  made  them  to  cease  by  force  and  power. 
Then  ceased  the  work  of  the  house  of  God  which  is  at 
Jerusalem.  So  it  ceased  unto  the  second  year  of  the 
reign  of  Darius  king  of  Persia. — Ezra  iv. 


SECOND  LESSON. 

We  are  informed  by  Josephus,  that  Darius,  while  in 
private  life,  made  a  vow  that  if  he  ever  came  to  the 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


200 


throne  he  would  send  back  to  Jerusalem  all  the  sacred 
vessels  which  had  been  brought  to  Babylon  at  the  time 
of  the  destruction  of  the  Temple.  Zerubbabel,  having 
arrived  at  Babylon,  and  being  received  with  much  favour 
by  the  King,  who  renewed  in  some  measure  their  former 
intimacy,  determined  to  seize  the  first  opportunity  of  re¬ 
minding  him  of  his  early  vows.  Circumstances  at  first 
seemed  adverse  to  his  plans ;  for  the  King  made  a  re¬ 
quest  of  his  friend,  which  he  could  not  honorably  com¬ 
ply  with ;  and  it  was  refused.  But  the  moral  courage 
which  was  exhibited  on  this  occasion,  only  served  to  in¬ 
crease  the  monarch’s  admiration  of  his  friend,  and  he 
gave  him  a  magnificent  banquet,  to  which  his  most  dis¬ 
tinguished  nobles  were  invited.  During  this  memorable 
feast,  it  pleased  the  King  to  propose  certain  questions 
for  solution,  pledging  himself  that  he,  who  presented  the 
most  judicious  answer,  should  be  clothed  in  purple,  and 
decorated  with  a  silken  tiara,  and  a  golden  chain  about 
his  neck.  “Which  is  the  greatest,”  said  he,  “the 
strength  of  wine,  of  the  King,  or  of  woman?”  In  reply, 
one  of  his  distinguished  nobles  gave  it  as  his  opinion,  that 
wine  was  the  strongest ;  another  thought  that  the  King 
was  the  strongest ;  Zerubbabel  pronounced  women  the 
strongest,  “but  above  all  others,”  said  he,  “truth 
beareth  the  victory.”  This  addition,  which  he  made  to 
the  questions,  elicited  the  commendation  of  Darius,  who 
was  pleased  to  have  the  reasons  given  for  these  several 
opinions  on  the  morrow. 

THIRD  LESSON. 

On  the  morrow,  the  princes  and  nobles  were  assem¬ 
bled  to  hear  the  discussion,  when  the  following  reasons 
18* 


210 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


were  presented  in  defence  of  the  several  opinions  which 
had  been  given  ;  first,  respecting  the  strength  of  wine  : 

“  0  ye  princes  and  rulers,  how  exceeding  strong  is 
wine !  it  causeth  all  men  to  err  that  drink  it :  it  maketh 
the  mind  of  the  king  and  the  beggar  to  be  all  one ;  of 
the  bondman  and  the  freeman,  of  the  poor  man  and  the 
rich ;  it  turneth  also  every  thought  into  jollity  and 
mirth,  so  that  a  man  remembereth  neither  sorrow  nor 
debt;  it  changeth  and  elevateth  the  spirits,  and  en- 
liveneth  the  heavy  hearts  of  the  miserable.  It  maketh 
a  man  forget  his  brethren,  and  draw  his  sword  against 
his  best  friends.  0  ye  princes  and  rulers,  is  not  wine 
the  strongest,  that  forceth  us  to  do  these  things?” 

Then  began  the  second,  upon  the  power  of  kings,  and 
spake  as  follows:  “ It  is  beyond  dispute,  0  princes  and 
rulers,  that  God  has  made  man  master  of  all  things 
under  the  sun ;  to  command  them,  to  make  use  of  them, 
and  apply  them  to  his  service  as  he  pleases:  but  whereas 
men  have  only  dominion  over  other  sublunary  creatures, 
kings  have  an  authority  even  over  men  themselves,  and 
a  right  of  ruling  them  by  will  and  pleasure.  Now,  he 
that  is  master  of  those  who  are  masters  of  all  things 
else,  hath  no  earthly  thing  above  him.” 

Then  said  Zerubbabel  of  the  power  of  women,  and  of 
truth,  “  0  princes  and  rulers,  the  force  of  zvine  is  not  to 
be  denied ;  neither  is  that  of  kings ,  which  unites  so  many 
men  in  one  common  allegiance ;  but  the  supremacy  of 
women  is  yet  above  all  this :  for  kings  are  but  the  gifts 
of  women,  and  they  are  also  the  mothers  of  those  that 
cultivate  our  vineyards.  Women  have  the  power  to 
make  us  abandon  our  very  country  and  relations,  and 
many  times  to  forget  the  best  friends  we  have  in  the 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


211 


world,  and  forsaking  all  other  comforts  to  live  and  die 
with  them.  But  when  all  is  said,  neither  they,  nor  wine, 
nor  kings,  are  comparable  to  the  almighty  force  of 
truth.  As  for  all  other  things  they  are  mortal  and 
transient,  but  truth  alone  is  unchangeable  and  everlast¬ 
ing  ;  the  benefits  we  receive  from  it  are  subject  to  no 
variations  or  vicissitudes  of  time  and  fortune.  In  her 
judgment  is  no  unrighteousness,  and  she  is  the  ivisdom , 
strength ,  beauty ,  power,  and  majesty  of  all  ages.  Blessed 
be  the  Gf-od  of  Truth.” 

When  Zerubbabel  had  finished  speaking,  the  princes 
and  rulers  cried  out,  “  Great  is  truth,  and  mighty  above 
all  things.”  Then  said  the  king  to  Zerubbabel,  “  Ask 
wThat  thou  wilt,  and  I  will  give  it  thee,  because  thou  art 
found  the  wisest  among  thy  companions.” 

Then  said  he  to  Darius,  “  0  king,  remember  thy 
vow  wdiich  thou  hast  vowed,  to  build  Jerusalem  in  the 
day  when  thou  shouldst  come  to  thy  kingdom,  and  to 
restore  the  holy  vessels  which  wTere  taken  away  out  of 
Jerusalem. 

“  Thou  hast  also  vowed  to  build  up  the  Temple  which 
was  burned  when  Judah  was  made  desolate  by  the 
Chaldees.  And  now,  0  king,  this  is  that  I  desire  of 
thee,  that  thou  make  good  the  vow,  the  performance 
whereof  with  thine  own  mouth  thou  hast  vowed  to  the 
King  of  Heaven.” 

Then  Darius  the  king  stood  up  and  embraced  him, 
and  gave  him  passports  and  letters  to  his  governors  and 
officers,  that  they  should  safely  convey,  both  him  and 
those  who  should  go  with  him,  to  Jerusalem ;  and  that 
they  should  not  be  delayed  or  hindered  from  building 
the  City  and  Temple,  until  they  should  be  finished.  He 


212 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


also  restored  all  the  holy  vessels  remaining  in  his  pos* 
session,  that  had  been  taken  from  Jerusalem,  when  the 
children  of  Israel  were  carried  away  captive  to  Babylon 
and  restored  by  Cyrus. 


FOURTH  LESSON. 

But  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Sanballat,  and  To* 
biah,  and  the  Arabians,  and  the  Ammonites,  and  the 
Ashdodites,  heard  that  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  were 
made  up,  and  that  the  breaches  began  to  be  stopped, 
then  they  were  very  wroth,  and  conspired  all  of  them 
together  to  come  and  fight  against  Jerusalem,  and  to 
hinder  it.  Nevertheless  we  made  our  prayer  unto  our 
God,  and  set  a  watch  against  them  day  and  night,  be¬ 
cause  of  them.  And  Judah  said,  The  strength  of  the 
bearers  of  burdens  is  decayed,  and  there  is  much  rub¬ 
bish  :  so  that  we  are  not  able  to  build  the  wall.  And 
our  adversaries  said,  They  shall  not  know,  neither  see, 
till  we  come  in  the  midst  among  them,  and  slay  them, 
and  cause  the  work  to  cease.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that 
when  the  Jews  which  dwelt  by  them  came,  they  said 
unto  us  ten  times,  From  all  places  whence  ye  shall  re¬ 
turn  unto  us  they  will  be  upon  you. 

Therefore  set  I  in  the  lower  places  behind  the  wall, 
and  on  the  higher  places,  I  even  set  the  people  after 
their  families,  with  their  swords,  their  spears,  and  their 
bows.  And  I  looked,  and  rose  up,  and  said  unto  the 
nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  people, 
Be  not  ye  afraid  of  them  :  remember  the  Lord,  which  is 
great  and  terrible,  and  fight  for  your  brethren,  your 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


213 


sons  and  your  daughters,  your  wives  and  your  houses. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  when  our  enemies  heard  that  it 
was  known  unto  us,  and  God  had  brought  their  counsel 
to  nought,  that  we  returned  all  of  us  to  the  wall,  every 
one  unto  his  work.  And  it  came  to  pass,  from  that 
time  forth,  that  the  half  of  my  servants  wrought  in  the 
the  work,  and  the  other  half  of  them  held  both  the 
spears,  the  shields,  and  the  bows,  and  the  habergeons; 
and  the  rulers  were  behind  all  the  house  of. Judah. 
They  which  builded  on  the  wall,  and  they  that  bare 
burdens,  with  those  that  laded,  every  one  with  one  of 
his  hands  wrought  in  the  work,  and  with  the  other  hand 
held  a  weapon.  For  the  builders,  every  one  had  his 
sword  girded  by  his  side,  and  so  builded :  and  he  that 
sounded  the  trumpet  was  by  me.  And  I  said  unto  the 
nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  people, 
The  work  is  great  and  large,  and  we  are  separated  upon 
the  wall,  one  far  from  another.  In  what  place  there¬ 
fore  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  resort  ye  thither 
unto  us  :  our  God  shall  fight  for  us. — Nehemiah  iv. 
7—20. 


Then  the  prophets,  Haggai,  and  Zechariah  the  son 
of  Iddo,  prophesied  unto  the  Jews  that  were  in  Judah 
and  Jerusalem  in  the  name  of  the  God  of  Israel. 
Then  rose  up  Zerubbabel  the  son  of  Shealtiel,  and 
keshua  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and  began  to  build  the 
house  of  God  which  is  at  Jerusalem:  and  with  them 
were  the  prophets  of  God  hepling  them. 

At  the  same  time  came  to  them  Tatnai,  governor  on 
this  side  of  the  river,  and  Shetharboznai,  and  their  com* 


214 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


panions,  and  said  thus  unto  them :  Who  hath  commanded 
you  to  build  this  house,  and  to  make  up  this  wall  ?  But 
the  eye  of  their  God  was  upon  the  elders  of  the  Jews, 
that  they  could  not  cause  them  to  cease,  till  the  matter 
came  to  Darius  :  and  then  they  returned  answer  by  letter 
concerning  this  matter. 

The  governor  on  this  side  the  river,  and  Shethar-boz- 
nai,  and  his  companions  the  Apharsachites,  sent  unto 
Darius  the  king ;  they  sent  a  letter  unto  him,  wherein  was 
written  thus  :  Unto  Darius  the  King,  all  peace. — Be  it 
known  unto  the  king,  that  we  went  into  the  pro¬ 
vince  of  Judea,  to  the  house  of  the  great  God,  which 
is  budded  with  great  stones,  and  timber  is  laid  in 
the  walls,  and  this  work  goeth  fast  on,  and  prospereth 
in  their  hands.  Then  asked  we  those  elders,  and  said 
unto  them  thus :  Who  commanded  you  to  build  this 
house,  and  to  make  up  these  walls  ?  We  asked  their 
names  also,  to  certify  thee,  that  we  might  write  the 
names  of  the  men  that  were  the  chief  of  them.  And 
thus  they  returned  us  answer,  saying,  We  are  the  ser¬ 
vants  of  the  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  and  build  the 
house  that  was  budded  these  many  years  ago,  which  a 
great  king  of  Israel  budded  and  set  up.  But  after  that 
our  fathers  had  provoked  the  God  of  heaven  unto  wrath, 
he  gave  them  into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar  the  king 
of  Babylon,  the  Chaldean,  who  destroyed  this  house,  and 
carried  the  people  away  into  Babylon.  But  in  the  first 
year  of  Cyrus  the  king  of  Babylon,  the  same  king  Cyrus 
made  a  decree  to  build  this  house  of  God.  And  the 
vessels  also  of  gold  and  silver  of  the  house  of  God, 
which  Nebuchadnezzar  took  out  of  the  temple  that  was 
in  Jerusalem,  and  brought  them  into  the  temple  of  Ba- 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


215 


bylon,  those  did  Cyrus  the  king  take  out  of  the  temple 
of  Babylon,  and  they  were  delivered  unto  one  whose 
name  was  Sheshbazzar,  whom  he  had  made  governor, 
and  said  unto  him,  Take  these  vessels,  go  carry  them 
into  the  temple  that  is  in  Jerusalem,  and  let  the  house 
of  God  be  builded  in  his  place.  Then  came  the  same 
Sheshbazzar,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  the  house  of 
God  which  is  in  Jerusalem :  and  since  that  time  even 
until  now  hath  it  been  in  building,  and  yet  it  is  not 
finished.  Now  therefore,  if  it  seem  good  to  the  king, 
let  there  be  search  made  in  the  king’s  treasure-house, 
which  is  there  at  Babylon,  whether  it  be  so  that  a  de¬ 
cree  was  made  of  Cyrus  the  king  to  build  this  house  of 
God  at  Jerusalem,  and  let  the  king  send  his  pleasure  to 
us  concerning  this  matter. — Ezra  v. 

Then  Darius  the  king  made  a  decree,  and  search  was 
made  in  the  house  of  the  rolls,  where  the  treasures  were 
laid  up  in  Babylon.  And  there  was  found  at  Achmetha, 
in  the  palace  that  is  in  the  province  of  the  Medes,  a  roll, 
and  therein  w'as  a  record  thus  written  :  In  the  first  year 
of  Cyrus  the  king,  the  same  Cyrus  the  king  made  a  de¬ 
cree  concerning  the  house  of  God  at  Jerusalem,  Let  the 
house  be  builded,  the  place  where  they  offered  sacrifices, 
and  let  the  foundations  thereof  be  strongly  laid;  the 
height  thereof  threescore  cubits,  and  the  breadth  thereof 
threescore  cubits :  with  three  rows  of  great  stones,  and 
a  row  of  new  timber ;  and  let  the  expenses  be  given  out 
of  the  king’s  house :  and  also  let  the  golden  and  silver  ves¬ 
sels  of  the  house  of  God,  which  Nebuchadnezzar  took  forth 
out  of  the  temple  which  is  at  Jerusalem,  and  brought  unto 
Babylon,  be  restored,  and  brought  again  unto  the  temple 


21G 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


which  is  at  Jerusalem,  every  one  to  his  place,  and  place 
them  in  the  house  of  God.  Now,  therefore,  Tatnai, 
governor  beyond  the  river,  Shethar-boznai,  and  your 
companions  the  Apharsachites,  which  are  beyond  the 
river,  be  ye  far  from  thence  :  let  the  work  of  this  house 
of  God  alone  ;  let  the  governor  of  the  Jews  and  the 
elders  of  the  Jews  build  this  house  of  God  in  his  place. 
Moreover  I  make  a  decree  what  ye  shall  do  to  the  elders 
of  these  Jews,  for  the  building  of  this  house  of  God; 
that  of  the  king’s  goods,  even  of  the  tribute  beyond  the 
river,  forthwith  expenses  be  given  unto  these  men,  that 
they  be  not  hindered.  And  that  which  they  have  need 
of,  both  young  bullocks,  and  rams,  and  lambs,  for  the 
burnt  offerings  of  the  God  of  heaven,  wheat,  salt,  wine, 
and  oil,  according  to  the  appointment  of  the  priests 
which  are  at  Jerusalem,  let  it  be  given  them  day  by  day 
without  fail :  That  they  may  offer  sacrifices  of  sweet 
savours  unto  the  God  of  heaven,  and  pray  for  the  life 
of  the  king,  and  of  his  sons.  Also  I  have  made  a 
decree,  that  whosoever  shall  alter  this  word,  let  timber 
be  pulled  down  from  his  house,  and  being  set  up,  let 
him  be  hanged  thereon ;  and  let  his  house  be  made  a 
dunghill  for  this.  And  the  God  that  hath  caused  his 
name  to  dwell  there  destroy  all  kings  and  people,  that 
shall  put  to  their  hand  to  alter  and  to  destroy  this  house 
of  God  which  is  at  Jerusalem.  I  Darius  have  made  a 
decree  ;  let  it  be  done  with  speed. 

Then  Tatnai,  governor  on  this  side  of  the  river  She¬ 
thar-boznai,  and  their  companions,  according  to  that 
which  Darius  the  king  had  sent,  so  they  did  speedily 
And  the  elders  of  the  Jews  builded,  and  they  prospered 
through  the  prophesying  of  Haggai  the  prophet  and 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 


217 


Zechariah  the  son  of  Iddo.  And  they  builded  and 
finished  it,  according  to  the  commandment  of  the  God 
of  Israel,  and  according  to  the  commandment  of  Cyrus, 
and  Darius,  and  Artaxerxes  king  of  Persia. — Ezra  vi. 
1-15. 


19 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


Among  the  many  remarkable  results  of  the  Crusades, 
the  organization  of  fraternities  who  were  pledged  to  de¬ 
fend  the  poor  and  helpless,  against  the  oppression  of  the 
powerful,  and  to  secure  the  peaceable  enjoyment  of  the 
privileges  of  religion,  occupies  a  prominent  place. 
If  the  Crusades  may  be  justly  termed  the  greatest 
political  events  of  the  medioeval  ages,  the  institution  of 
the  Knights  of  the  Temple  and  Knights  of  Malta,  may, 
with  equal  justice,  be  considered  the  greatest  events 
which  characterised  the  Crusades.  The  Templar  needs 
no  eulogist  to  trumpet  his  fame.  His  name,  and  valour, 
and  chivalry,  are  written  on  every  great  enterprise  of 
the  age  in  which  he  lived.  Princes  sought  the  honour 
of  admission  to  his  order :  piety  thought  it  a  privilege 
to  contribute  towards  its  maintainance :  the  Infidel 
never  attacked  him  in  the  open  field ;  and  when  sur¬ 
prised,  and  outnumbered  by  a  treacherous  ambuscade, 

219 


220  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 

the  Templar  fought  on  until  he  could  no  longer  wield  his 
sword,  and  when  at  last  exhausted,  he  fell  from  his 
charger,  he  fell  upon  a  heap  of  slain.  Nor  will  the 
future  history  of  this  illustrious  order  show  that  because 
they  are  no  longer  warriors  in  the  field  of  battle,  they 
are  less  magnanimous  in  their  spirit,  and  unworthy  of  a 
place  among  the  great  and  noble  ones  of  earth ;  unless 
indeed  the  Templar  shall  forget  the  lessons  of  virtue  and 
wisdom,  which  have  been  taught  him,  and  disregard  the 
sacred  obligations  of  his  profession. 

The  order  dates  its  origin  from  the  year  when  Hugh 
de  Payens  became  its  first  Grand  Master,  in  the  City  of 
Jerusalem.  Its  incorporation  with  Ancient  Freemasonry 
occurred  in  the  time  of  Philip  of  France,  who  leagued 
with  the  intolerant  Bishop  of  Home,  ordered  a  general 
massacre  of  the  Templars  ;  a  few  found  a  sacred  asylum 
from  their  persecutors  in  the  bosom  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity. 

Since  then  the  Templar  has  been  the  friend  of  civil 
and  religious,  liberty,  and  the  enemy  of  tyranny  and  in¬ 
tolerance.  His  profession  no  longer  calls  him  to  the 
protection  of  the  wayworn  pilgrim  in  a  hostile  land ;  hut 
it  inculcates  a  generous  and  magnanimous  spirit,  and 
expects  from  him  the  practice  of  those  virtues,  which 
should  ever  adorn  a  Christian  Knight,  who,  in  wielding 
the  weapons  of  this  warfare,  must  ever  temper  justice 
with  mercy,  and  fortitude  with  clemency. 


The  Grand  Commander  is  seated  upon  a  throne  in 
the  east :  above  the  throne  hangs  a  banner,  embellished 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


221 


with  a  cross  and  glory :  on  either  side  a  sky  blue  ban¬ 
ner,  one  displaying  the  emblems  of  the  order ;  the  other, 
a  pascal  Lamb,  and  Maltese  cross,  with  the  motto 
“  Voluntas  Dei.”  On  the  right  of  the  throne,  the  Ge¬ 
neralissimo  and  Prelate ;  on  the  left,  the  Captain 
General ;  in  front,  and  on  the  right,  the  Treasurer ;  on 
the  left,  the  Recorder :  the  Senior  Warden  at  the  south¬ 
west  angle  of  the  triangle,  and  upon  the  right  of  the 
first  division;  the  Junior  Warden  at  the  north-west 
angle  of  the  triangle,  and  on  the  left  of  the  third  divi¬ 
sion  :  the  Standard  Bearer  in  the  west,  the  Sword 
Bearer  on  his  right  and  the  Warder  on  his  left :  at  the 
base  of  the  triangle  and  in  front  of  the  Standard 
Bearer  a  stall  for  the  Initiate.  The  Knights  are 
arranged  in  equal  numbers  on  each  side  of  the  throne 
in  front. 

i 

DRESS. 

A  full  suit  of  black.  A  black  velvet  Sasii,  trimmed 
with  silver  lace,  hanging  on  the  right  shoulder  and  cross¬ 
ing  the  body  to  the  left  side ;  at  the  end  of  the  sash  is 
suspended  a  poinard,  or  small  dirk ;  on  the  left  hip  of 
the  sash  is  a  Maltese  cross  in  the  centre  of  a  green  ro¬ 
sette  ;  on  the  right  shoulder  a  black  rose  and  star ;  on 
the  left  breast  a  star  of  nine  points ;  in  the  centre  of 
the  star,  a  cross  and  serpent  of  gold,  surmounted  by  a 
circle  on  which  is  engraved,  “  In  hoc  signo  vinces.” 
Also  a  Pascal  Lamb,  with  a  flag,  a  cock,  and  red 
cross ;  on  the  top  of  the  flap  of  the  apron  three  stars 
placed  in  a  triangular  form,  with  cross  sword  in  the 
centre ;  on  the  centre  of  the  apron  twelve  nobs  or 
19  * 


222 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


stars  placed  in  a  triangle,  with  scull  cross  bones  in  the 
centre. 


OPENING. 

James,  a  servant  of  God  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
to  the  twelve  tribes  which  are  scattered  abroad,  greet¬ 
ing.  My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye  fall  into 
divers  temptations :  knowing  this,  that  the  trying  of 
your  faith  worketh  patience.  But  let  patience  have  her 
perfect  work,  that  ye  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  want¬ 
ing  nothing.  If  any  of  you  lack  wisdom,  let  him  ask 
of  God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and*  upbraideth 
not;  and  it  shall  be  given  him.  But  let  him  ask  in 
faith,  nothing  wavering.  For  he  that  wavereth  is  like 
a  wave  of  the  sea  driven  with  the  wind  and  tossed.  For 
let  not  that  man  think  that  he  shall  receive  anything 
of  the  Lord.  A  double  minded  man  is  unstable  in  all 
his  ways.  Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice  in 
that  he  is  exalted.  If  any  man  among  you  seem  to  be 
religious,  and  bridleth  not  his  tongue,  but  deceiveth  his 
own  heart,  this  man’s  religion  is  vain.  Pure  religion 
and  undefiled  before  God  and  the  Father  is  this,  to 
visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and 
to  keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world. — James  i. 
1-10,  26,  27. 

(For  Prayer,  see  Part  III.,  No.  11.) 


LESSON  FIRST. 


FIRST  EXHORTATION. 


-I  greet  thee. 


* 


Silver  and  gold  have  I  none :  but  such  as  I  havo  give 
I  thee.  ***** 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


223 


Hearken  to  a  lesson  to  cheer  thee  on  thy  way,  and 
assure  thee  of  success. 

And  Abraham  rose  up  early  in  the  morning,  and  took 
bread  and  a  bottle  of  water  and  gave  it  unto  Hagar, 
(putting  it  on  her  shoulder,)  and  the  child,  and  sent  her 
away,  and  she  departed  and  wandered  in  the  wilder¬ 
ness,  and  the  water  was  spent  in  the  bottle  and  she 
cast  the  child  under  one  of  the  shrubs ;  and  the  angel 
of  God  called  to  Hagar  out  of  heaven,  saying  arise,  lift 
up  the  lad  and  hold  him  in  thine  hand :  for  I  will  make 
him  a  great  nation :  and  God  opened  her  eyes,  and  she 
saw  a  well  of  water. 

By  faith  Abraham  sojourned  in  the  land  of  promise 
as  in  a  strange  country,  dwelling  in  tabernacles ;  for  he 
looked  for  a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whose  builder 
and  maker  is  God. 

Be  ye  therefore  followers  of  God  as  dear  children,  re¬ 
joicing  in  the  Lord  always ;  and  again  I  say  rejoice. 

Farewell — God  speed  thee. 


SECOND  EXHORTATION. 

- 1  greet  thee.  *  *  *  * 

If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked  and  destitute  of  daily 
food,  and  one  of  you  say,  Depart  in  peace,  be  ye  warmed 
and  filled,  and  ye  give  them  not  of  those  things  which 
are  needful  for  the  body,  what  doth  it  profit  ? 

To  do  good  and  to  communicate,  forget  not,  for  with 
such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased. 

Beware  lest  any  man  spoil  you  through  philosophy 


224 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


and  vain  deceit,  after  the  traditions  of  men ;  after  the 
rudiments  of  the  world,  and  not  after  Christ:  For  in 
him  dwelleth  all  the  fullness  of  the  Godhead  bodily. 

Farewell — God  speed  thee. 


THIRD  EXHORTATION. 

- I  greet  thee.  *  *  *  * 

He  that  receiveth  you,  receiveth  me,  and  he  that  re- 
ceiveth  me,  receiveth  him  that  sent  me.  Come  unto 
me  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden  and  I  will 
give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon  you  and  learn  of 
me,  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  and  ye  shall  find 
rest  unto  your  souls,  for  my  yoke  is  easy  and  my  burden 
is  light.  Whosoever  shall  give  to  drink  unto  one  of 
these  little  ones  a  cup  of  cold  water  only,  in  the  name 
of  a  disciple,  verily  I  say  unto  you  he  shall  in  no  wise 
lose  his  reward. 

Farewell — God  speed  thee. 


SECOND  LESSON. 

Then  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Judas  Iscariot,  went 
unto  the  chief  priests,  and  said  unto  them,  What  will 
ye  give  me,  and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you?  And 
they  covenanted  with  him  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver. — 
And  from  that  time  he  sought  opportunity  to  betray 
him. 

Now  the  first  day  of  the  feast  of  unleavened  bread 
the  disciples  came  unto  Jesus,  saying  unto  him,  Where 
wilt  thou  that  we  prepare  for  thee  to  eat  the  passover  ? 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


225 


And  lie  said,  Go  into  the  city  to  such  a  man,  and  say 
unto  him,  The  Master  saith,  My  time  is  at  hand ;  I  will 
keep  the  passover  at  thy  house  with  my  disciples.  And 
the  disciples  did  as  Jesus  had  appointed  them  ;  and  they 
made  ready  the  passover.  Now,  when  the  even  was 
come,  he  sat  down  with  the  twelve.  And  as  they  did 
eat,  he  said,  Yerily  I  say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you 
shall  betray  me.  And  they  were  exceeding  sorrowful, 
and  began  every  one  of  them  to  say  unto  him,  Lord,  is 
it  I  ?  And  he  answered  and  said,  He  that  dippeth  his 
hand  with  me  in  the  dish,  the  same  shall  betray  me. 
The  Son  of  man  goeth  as  it  is  written  of  him :  but  woe 
unto  that  man  by  whom  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  !  it 
had  been  good  for  that  man  if  he  had  not  been  born. 
Then  Judas,  which  betrayed  him,  answered  and  said, 
Master,  is  it  I  ?  He  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  said. — 
Matthew  xxvi.  14-26. 


THIRD  LESSON. 

Then  cometh  Jesus  with  them  unto  a  place  called 
Gethsemane,  and  saith  unto  the  disciples,  Sit  ye  here, 
while  I  go  and  pray  yonder.  And  he  took  with  him 
Peter  and  the  two  sons  of  Zebedee,  and  began  to  be  sor¬ 
rowful  and  very  heavy.  Then  saith  he  unto  them,  My 
soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful  even  unto  death :  tarry  ye 
here,  and  watch  with  me.  And  he  went  a  little  farther, 
and  he  fell  on  his  face  and  prayed,  saying,  0  my  Father, 
if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me  :  neverthe¬ 
less,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.  And  he  cometh 
unto  the  disciples  and  findeth  them  asleep,  and  saith 


226 


KNIHGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


unto  Peter,  What !  could  ye  not  watch  with  me  one 
hour  ?  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  tempta¬ 
tion  :  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  hut  the  flesh  is  weak. 
He  went  away  again,  the  second  time,  and  prayed,  say¬ 
ing,  0  my  Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from 
me,  except  I  drink  it,  thy  will  be  done.  And  he  came 
and  found  them  asleep  again :  for  their  eyes  were 
heavy.  And  he  left  them,  and  went  away  again,  and 
prayed  the  third  time,  saying  the  same  words.  Then 
cometh  he  to  his  disciples,  and  saith  unto  them,  Sleep 
on  now,  and  take  your  rest :  behold  the  hour  is  at  hand, 
and  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  into  the  hand  of  sinners. 
Rise,  let  us  be  going :  behold  he  is  at  hand  that  doth 
betray  me. 

And  while  he  yet  spake,  lo  !  J udas,  one  of  the  twelve, 
came,  and  with  him  a  great  multitude,  with  swords  and 
staves,  from  the  chief  priests  and  elders  of  the  people. 
Now  he  that  betrayed  him  gave  them  a  sign,  saying, 
Whomsoever  I  shall  kiss,  that  same  is  he ;  hold  him  fast. 
And  forthwith  he  came  to  Jesus,  and  said,  Hail,  Master, 
and  kissed  him. — Matthew  xxvi.  36-50. 


FOURTH  LESSON. 

When  Pilate  saw  that  he  could  prevail  nothing,  but 
that  rather  a  tumult  wTas  made,  he  took  water,  and 
washed  his  hands  before  the  multitude,  saying,  I  am  in¬ 
nocent  of  the  blood  of  this  just  person ;  see  ye  to  it. 
Then  answered  all  the  people,  and  said,  His  blood  be  on 
us,  and  on  our  children. 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE.  227 

Then  released  he  Barabbas  unto  them  :  and  when  he 
had  scourged  Jesus,  he  delivered  him  to  be  crucified. 
Then  the  soldiers  of  the  governor  took  Jesus  into  the 
common  hall,  and  gathered  unto  him  the  whole  band  of 
soldiers.  And  they  stripped  him,  and  put  on  him  a 
scarlet  robe. 

And  when  they  had  platted  a  crown  of  thorns,  they 
put  it  upon  his  head,  and  a  reed  in  his  right  hand :  and 
they  bowed  the  knee  before  4iim,  and  mocked  him,  say¬ 
ing,  Hail,  king  of  the  Jews !  And  they  spit  upon  him, 
and  took  the  reed  and  smote  him  on  the  head.  And 
after  that  they  had  mocked  him,  they  took  the  robe  off 
from  him,  and  put  his  own  raiment  on  him,  and  led  him 
away  to  crucify  him.  And  as  they  came  out,  they  found 
a  man  of  Cyrene,  Simon  by  name ;  him  they  compelled 
to  bear  his  cross. 

And  when  they  were  come  unto  a  place  called  Golgo¬ 
tha,  that  is  to  say,  A  place  of  a  skull ;  they  gave  him 
vinegar  to  drink  mingled  with  gall :  and  when  he  had 
tasted  thereof,  he  would  not  drink.  And  they  crucified 
him  and  parted  his  garments,  casting  lots :  that  it  might 
be  fulfilled  which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet,  They 
parted  my  garments  among  them,  and  upon  my  vesture 
did  they  cast  lots.  And  sitting  down  they  watched  him 
there ;  and  set  up  over  his  head  his  accusation  written, 
This  is  Jesus  the  King  of  the  Jews. 


FIFTH  LESSON. 


Although  it  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die, 
yet  the  Scriptures  inform  us,  the  Saviour  of  the  world 


228 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


arose  from  the  dead  and  ascended  up  into  heaven,  there 
for  ever  he  is  seated  on  the  throne  of  majesty  on  high: 
and  they  also  assure  us,  that  all  who  have  received  him 
for  their  righteousness,  and  put  their  trust  in  him,  shall 
rise  to  life  everlasting. 

In  the  end  of  the  Sabbath,  as  it  began  to  dawn  to¬ 
wards  the  first  day  of  the  week,  came  Mary  Magdalene 
and  the  other  Mary,  to  see  the  sepulchre.  And  behold 
there  was  a  great  earthquake :  for  the  angel  of  the  Lord 
descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and  rolled  back  the 
stone  from  the  door,  and  sat  upon  it.  His  countenance 
was  like  lightning,  and  his  raiment  white  as  snow :  and 
for  fear  of  him  the  keepers  did  shake,  and  became  as 
dead  men.  And  the  angel  answered  and  said  unto  the 
women,  “Fear  not  ye:  for  I  know  that  ye  seek  Jesus, 
which  was  crucified.  He  is  not  here ;  for  he  is  risen, 
as  he  said.  Come,  see  the  place  where  the  Lord  lay : 
and  go  quickly,  and  tell  his  disciples  that  he  is  risen 
from  the  dead;  and  behold  he  goeth  before  you  into 
Galilee;  there  shall  ye  see  him:  lo,  I  have  told  you.” 
And  they  departed  quickly  from  the  sepulchre,  with 
fear  and  great  joy,  and  did  run  to  bring  his  disciples 
word. 

And  as  they  went  to  tell  his  disciples,  behold  Jesus 
met  them,  saying,  All  hail.  And  they  came  and  held 
him  by  the  feet,  and  worshipped  him. 

And  he  led  them  out  as  far  as  to  Bethany ;  and  he 
lifted  up  his  hands,  and  blessed  them.  And  it  came  to 
pass,  while  he  blessed  them,  he  was  parted  from  them, 
and  carried  up  into  heaven.  And  they  worshipped  him, 
and  returned  to  Jerusalem  wTith  great  joy. 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 


229 


SIXTH  LESSON. 

And  in  those  days  Peter  stood  up  in  the  midst  of  the 
disciples,  and  said,  (the  number  of  the  names  together 
were  about  an  hundred  and  twenty,)  Men  and  brethren, 
this  scripture  must  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which  the 
Holy  Ghost,  by  the  mouth  of  David,  spake  before  con¬ 
cerning  Judas,  which  was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus. 
For  he  wTas  numbered  with  us,  and  had  obtained  part  of 
this  ministry.  Now  this  man  purchased  a  field  with  the 
reward  of  iniquity ;  and  falling  headlong,  he  burst  asun¬ 
der  in  the  midst,  and  all  his  bowels  gushed  out.  And 
it  was  known  unto  all  the  dwellers  at  Jerusalem ;  inso¬ 
much  as  that  field  is  called  in  their  proper  tongue,  Acel¬ 
dama,  that  is  to  say,  The  field  of  blood.  For  it  is  writ¬ 
ten  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  Let  his  habitation  be  desolate, 
and  let  no  man  dwell  therein :  and  his  bishoprick  let 
another  take.  Wherefore,  of  these  men  which  have  com- 
panied  with  us,  all  the  time  that  the  Lord  Jesus  went  in 
and  out  among  us,  beginning  from  the  baptism  of  John 
unto  that  same  day  that  he  was  taken  up  from  us,  must 
one  be  ordained  to  be  a  witness  with  us  of  his  resurrec¬ 
tion.  And  they  appointed  two,  Joseph  called  Barsabas, 
who  was  surnamed  Justus  and  Matthias.  And  they 
prayed  and  said,  Thou,  Lord,  which  knowest  the  hearts 
of  all  men,  shew  whether  of  these  two  thou  hast  chosen, 
that  he  may  take  part  of  this  ministry  and  apostleship, 
from  which  Judas  by  transgression  fell,  that  he  might 
go  to  his  own  place.  And  they  gave  forth  their  lots ; 
and  the  lot  fell  upon  Matthias ;  and  he  was  numbered 
with  the  eleven  apostles. — Acts  i.  15-27. 

20 


. 


- 


•  :  • 


* 


• 

• 

■ 

>  .  - 

\  1 

' 

. 


-  '  *  fl  H  I 


■  y  ‘|  • 

.  . 

*  - 

• 

KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


During  the  ceremonies  of  initiation  to  this  Degree, 
ihe  following  portions  of  Scripture  are  rehearsed  : 


FIRST  LESSON. 

And  when  they  were  escaped,  then  they  knew  that 
the  island  was  called  Melita.  And  the  barbarous  people 
shewed  us  no  little  kindness :  for  they  kindled  a  fire, 
and  received  us  every  one,  because  of  the  present  rain, 
and  because  of  the  cold.  And  when  Paul  had  gathered 
a  bundle  of  sticks,  and  laid  them  on  the  fire,  there  came  a 
viper  out  of  the  heat,  and  fastened  on  his  hand.  And 
when  the  barbarians  saw  the  venemous  beast  hang  on  his 

231 


232 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


hand,  they  said  among  themselves,  No  doubt  this  mar 
is  a  murderer,  -whom,  though  he  hath  escaped  the  sea, 
vet  vengeance  suffereth  not  to  live.  And  he  shook  ofl 
the  beast  into  the  fire,  and  felt  no  harm.— Acts  xxviii, 
1—6. 


SECOND  LESSON. 

And  Pilate  wrote  a  title,  and  put  it  on  the  cross. 
And  the  writing  was  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  King  of 
the  Jews. — St.  John  xix.  19. 


THIRD  LESSON. 

But  Thomas,  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Didymus,  was 
not  with  them  when  Jesus  came.  The  other  disciples 
therefore  said  unto  him,  “we  have  seen  the  Lord.”  But 
he  said  unto  them,  “  except  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  the 
print  of  the  nails-,  and  put  my  finger  into  the  print  of 
the  nails,  and  thrust  my  hand  into  his  side  I  will  not 
believe.” 

And  after  eight  days,  again  his  disciples  were  within, 
and  Thomas  with  them.  Then  came  Jesus,  the  doors 
being  shut,  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and  said,  Peace  be 
unto  you.  Then  saith  he  to  Thomas,  Beach  hither  thy 
finger,  and  behold  my  hands ;  and  reach  hither  thy 
hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side :  and  be  not  faithless, 
but  believing.  And  Thomas  answered  and  said  unto  him, 
“my  Lord  and  my  God.” — St.  John  xx.  24 — 28 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


9Q9 

.Ou 


AN  ADDRESS  TO  A  NEW  CREATED  SIR  KNIGHT  TEMPLAR. 

Sin  Knight, — Having  passed  through  the  several 
degrees  and  honorary  distinctions  of  our  ancient  and 
honourable  institution — in  your  admission  to  the  tessel¬ 
lated  masonic  ground  floor — your  ascent  into  the  middle 
chamber — your  entrance  to  the  unfinished  sanctum  sanc¬ 
torum — your  regularly  passing  the  several  gates  of  the 
temple — induction  to  the  oriental  chair,  witnessing  the 
completion  and  dedication  of  that  superb  model  of  ex¬ 
cellence,  the  Temple,  which  has  immortalized  the  names 
of  our  ancient  Grand  Masters,  and  the  justly  celebrated 
craftsmen : — having  wrought  in  the  ruins  of  the  first 
Temple,  and  from  its  sacred  Royal  Arch  brought  to 
light  incalculable  treasures  and  advantages  to  the 
craft : — having  duly  studied  into  the  way  and  manner  of 
their  concealment ;  also  having  been  engaged  in  the 
hazardous  enterprise  of  traversing  an  enemy’s  domi¬ 
nions,  and  there  convincing  a  foreign  prince  that  truth 
is  great  and  will  prevail;  therefore,  you  are  now  ad¬ 
mitted  to  a  participation  in  those  labours  which  arc  to 
effect  the  erection  of  a  Temple  more  glorious  than  the 
first,  even  that  beauteous  Temple  of  holiness  and  inno¬ 
cence,  whose  pillars  arc  Charity,  Mercy  and  Justice, 
the  foundation  of  which  is  in  the  breast  of  every  one 
who  has  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious :  to  whom 
you  come  as  unto  a  living  stone,  disallowed  indeed  of 
men,  but  chosen  of  God  and  precious. 

And  now,  Sir  Knight,  we  bid  you  welcome  to  all 
these  rights  and  privileges,  even  to  that  disinterested 
20* 


234 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


friendship  and  unbounded  hospitality  which  ever  has, 
and  we  hope  and  trust  ever  will  continue  to  adorn,  dis¬ 
tinguish  and  characterize  this  noble  order. 

It  will  henceforth  become  your  duty  and  should  be 
your  desire  to  assist,  protect  and  befriend  the  weary 
way-worn  traveller  who  finds  the  heights  of  fortune 
inaccessible,  and  the  thorny  paths  of  life  broken,  ad¬ 
verse  and  forlorn — to  succour,  defend,  and  protect  the 
innocent,  the  distressed,  and  the  helpless,  ever  standing 
forth  as  a  champion  to  espouse  the  cause  of  the  Chris-  . 
tian  Religion. 

You  are  to  inculcate,  enforce,  and  practice  virtue; 
and  amidst  all  the  temptations  which  surround  you, 
never  be  drawn  aside  from  the  path  of  duty,  or  forget¬ 
ful  of  those  due  guards  and  passwords  which  are  neces¬ 
sary  to  be  had  in  perpetual  remembrance;  and  while 
one  hand  is  wielding  the  sword  for  your  Companion  in 
danger,  let  the  other  grasp  the  mystic  Trowel,  and 
widely  diffuse  the  genuine  cement  of  Brotherly  Love  and 
Friendship. 

Should  calumny  assail  the  character  of  a  Brother  Sir 
Knight,  recollect  that  you  are  to  step  forth  and  vindi¬ 
cate  his  good  name,  and  assist  him  on  all  necessary 
occasions.  Should  assailants  ever  attempt  your  honor, 
interest  or  happiness,  remember,  also,  at  the  same 
time,  you  have  the  council  and  support  of  your  breth¬ 
ren,  whose  mystic  swords  combining  the  virtues  of 
Faith,  Hope  and  Charity,  with  Justice,  Fortitude  and 
Mercy,  will  leap  from  their  scabbards  in  defence  of  your 
just  rights  and  ensure  you  a  glorious  triumph  over  all 
your  enemies. 

On  this  occasion  permit  me,  Sir  Knight,  to  remind 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


235 


you  of  our  mutual  engagements,  our  reciprocal  ties ; 
whatever  may  be  your  situation  or  rank  in  life,  you  will 
find  those  in  similar  stations,  who  have  dignified  them  ¬ 
selves  and  been  useful  to  mankind.  You  are  therefore 
called  upon  to  discharge  all  your  duties  with  fidelity 
and  patience,  whether  in  the  field,  in  the  Senate,  on 
the  Bench,  at  the  Bar,  or  at  the  Holy  Altar.  Whether 
you  are  placed  upon  the  highest  pinnacle  of  worldly 
grandeur,  or  glide  more  securely  in  the  humble  vale 
of  obscurity,  unnoticed,  save  by  a  few ;  it  matters  not, 
for  a  few  rolling  suns  will  close  the  scene,  when  nought 
but  holiness  will  serve  as  a  sure  password  to  gain  admis¬ 
sion  into  that  Best  prepared  from  the  foundation  of  the 
world. 

If  you  see  a  brother  bending  under  the  cross  of 
adversity  and  disappointment,  look  not  idly  on,  nei¬ 
ther  pass  by  on  the  other  side,  but  fly  to  his  relief. 
If  he  be  deceived,  tell  him  the  Truth;  if  he  bo  ca¬ 
lumniated,  vindicate  his  cause ;  for,  although  in  some 
instances,  he  may  have  erred,  still  recollect  that  in¬ 
discretion  in  him  should  never  destroy  humanity  in 
you. 

Finally,  Sir  Knights,  as  memento  mori  is  deeply 
engraved  on  all  sublunary  enjoyments,  let  us  ever  be 
found  in  the  habiliments  of  righteousness,  traversing  the 
straight  path  of  rectitude,  virtue,  and  true  holiness,  so 
that  having  discharged  our  duty  here  below,  performed 
the  pilgrimage  of  life,  burst  the  bands  of  mortality, 
passed  over  the  Jordan  of  death,  and  safely  landed  on 
the  broad  shore  of  eternity,  there,  in  the  presence  of 
myriads  of  attending  angels,  we  may  be  greeted  as 
brethren,  and  received  into  the  extended  arms  of  the 


236 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


Blessed  Emanuel,  and  forever  made  to  participate  in  his 
Heavenly  Kingdom. 


AN  EXHORTATION  AT  CLOSING  AN  ENCAMPMENT. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in 
the  power  of  his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of 
God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of 
the  devil.  For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh  and  blood, 
but  against  principalities,  against  powers,  against  the 
rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this  world,  against  spiritual 
wickedness  in  high  places.  Wherefore  take  unto  you 
the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  with¬ 
stand  in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done  all,  to  stand. 
Stand,  therefore,  having  your  loins  girt  about  with 
truth,  and  having  on  the  breast-plate  of  righteousness ; 
and  your  feet  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gospel 
of  peace ;  above  all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith,  where¬ 
with  ye  shall  be  able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
wicked.  And  take  the  helmet  of  salvation,  and  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God. — Ephe¬ 
sians  vi.  10 — IT. 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


237 


CEREMONIES  AND  CHARGES 

UPON  THE  INSTALLATION  OP  AN  ENCAMPMENT  OP  KNIGHTS 
TEMPLARS,  AND  THE  APPENDANT  ORDERS. 

The  Sir  Knights  assemble  in  the  hall  where  the  cere 
monies  are  to  be  performed,  and  open  an  encampment. 
The  lines  are  then  formed  by  the  Grand  Marshal,  when 
they  advance  to  the  hall,  where  they  will  halt  and  open 
to  the  right  and  left,  and  face  inward,  while  the  Grand 
(or  Installing)  officers,  and  others  in  succession,  pass  in. 
After  taking  their  several  posts,  they  salute  the  audi¬ 
ence  by  presenting  arms.  The  Grand  Marshal  then 
orders, — “return  arms — recover — be  at  ease.”  The 
jewels  are  then  collected  and  placed  on  the  altar.  An 
Ode  or  Anthem  is  performed,  succeeded  by  Prayer,  a 
Sermon,  and  an  Ode. 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  rises  and  says  :  “  Most  Emi¬ 
nent  Grand  Commander, — A  constitutional  number  of 
Knights  Templars,  duly  instructed  in  the  sublime  mys¬ 
teries  of  our  Order,  and  desirous  of  promoting  the  honour 
of  the  same  by  aiding  the  cause  of  humanity,  knowledge, 
and  virtue,  have  applied  for  a  Warrant  or  Charter  to 
constitute  them  a  regular  Encampment  of  Knights  Tem¬ 
plars  and  the  appendant  orders :  The  prayer  of  their 
petition  having  been  granted,  they  are  now  assembled 
for  the  purpose  of  being  legally  constituted,  and  of  hav¬ 
ing  their  officers  installed  in  due  and  ancient  form.” 

23* 


238 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


The  Grand  Master  then  directs  the  Grand  Recorder 
to  read  the  Charter  or  Warrant,  which  being  done,  he 
asks  the  members  if  they  still  approve  of  the  officers 
named  in  the  warrant ;  if  they  assent,  the  Grand  Master 
rises  and  declares,  “  By  virtue  of  the  high  powTer  and 
authority  in  me  vested,  I  do  now  form  you,  my  worthy 
brother  Knights,  into  a  just  and  regular  Encampment 
of  Knights  Templars,  and  Knights  of  Malta,  or  the 
Order  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  and  authorize  you 
to  perform  all  such  things  as  may  appertain  to  the 
same ;  conforming  in  all  your  doings  to  the  laws  and 
constitution  of  the  Grand  Encampment  under  whose 
authority  you  act,  and  to  the  constitution  and  edicts  of 
the  General  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United  States. 
And  may  the  God  of  your  fathers  be  with  you,  guide 
and  direct  you  in  all  your  undertakings.” 

The  jewels  having  been  collected  on  the  Knights’  first 
entrance,  and  deposited  on  the  altar  or  table  in  front  of 
the  Grand  Master,  are  now  uncovered  during  solemn 
music  ;  the  Prelate  then  rises  and  says, — “  From  time 
immemorial,  it  has  been  customary  for  the  Masonic  fra¬ 
ternity  to  dedicate  the  different  departments  of  our  in¬ 
stitution  to  different  patrons.  We  dedicate  our  Lodges 
to  Sts.  John  the  Baptist,  and  the  Evangelist;  our  Chap¬ 
ters  to  Zerubbabel,  and  our  Encampments  to  St.  John 
the  Almoner.  We  do  this,  not  in  that  superstitious 
sense  in  which  the  heathen  employ  the  term  when  they 
set  apart  their  temples  for  the  worship  of  their  imagi 
nary  deities,  nor  in  that  high  and  solemn  sense  in  which 
Christians  dedicate  their  churches  to  the  great  Jehovah ; 
but  we  do  it  simply  to  testify  our  respect  and  esteem  for 
the  character  of  those  who  have  been  so  eminently  bene- 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


239 


ficial  to  our  institution,  and  that  their  examples  may 
stimulate  us  to  imitate  their  exalted  virtue. 

“  To  our  most  eminent  and  worthy  Patron,  St.  John 
the  Almoner,  I  do  now  solemnly  dedicate  this  Encamp¬ 
ment  ;  and  may  the  God  of  all  grace  abundantly  bless 
you  in  your  laudable  undertaking,  and  may  each  one  of 
its  members  so  redeem  his  time  that  he  may  finally  re¬ 
ceive  the  joyful  invitation,  “  Enter  thou  into  the  joy  of 
thy  Lord.”  “  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good-will  towards  men.”  (Response.)  aAs  it 
was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be,  world 
without  end.  Amen.” 

The  Grand  Commander  elect  is  then  presented  to  the 
Grand  Master  by  the  Marshal,  who  says,  “  Most  Wor¬ 
shipful,  I  have  the  honour  to  present  you  the  Most  Emi¬ 
nent  Sir - ,  who  has  been  appointed  to  the  office 

of  first  Grand  Commander  of  this  Encampment.  I  find 
him  well  skilled  in  our  sublime  mysteries,  and  observant 
of  the  noble  precepts  of  our  forefathers,  and  have,  there¬ 
fore,  no  doubt  but  he  will  discharge  the  important  duties 
of  his  office  with  fidelity.” 

The  Grand  Master  then  asks,  “Most  Eminent,  are  you 
ready  to  subscribe  to  the  oath  of  office  ?”  On  his  answer¬ 
ing  in  the  affirmative  the  Grand  Master  draws  his  sword, 
and  holding  it  horizontally,  the  edge  towards  the  Grand 
Commander  elect,  who  places  his  left  hand  on  the  same, 
and  his  right  hand  on  his  left  breast,  and  repeats  as  fol¬ 
lows  :  “  I,  A.  B.,  dQ  solemnly  promise,  upon  the  honour 
of  a  Knight  Templar,  that  I  will,  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge  and  ability,  faithfully  discharge  the  various 
duties  incumbent  upon  the  office  to  which  I  have  been 
appointed ;  that  I  will  support  and  maintain  the  by-laws 


240 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


of  this  Encampment  and  the  laws  and  constitution  of 
the  Grand  Encampment,  under  whose  immediate  autho¬ 
rity  I  act ;  also  the  constitution  and  edicts  of  the  Gene¬ 
ral  Grand  Encampment  of  the  United  States  of  Arne- 
*nca. 

The  Grand  Master  then  observes :  “  M.  E.  Sir - — , 

I  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  my  duty  on  this  interesting 
occasion,  with  great  pleasure.  In  installing  you  as  the 
first  officer  of  an  institution  which  is  founded  on  the 
holy  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  I  am  satisfied  that  I  am 
promoting  the  interest  of  the  Order  generally,  hut  more 
particularly  in  this  part  of  our  country.  Having  ac¬ 
cepted  this  honourable  and  responsible  office,  you  will 
endeavour  to  discharge  your  duty  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
convince  the  world  that  those  calumnies  which  have  been 
repeatedly  cast  upon  our  institution,  by  the  enemies  of 
our  Order,  are  false  and  unfounded. 

I  shall  now  propose  certain  questions  to  you  relative 
to  the  duties  of  your  office,  to  which  I  must  request  an 
unequivocal  answer. 

1.  Do  you  solemnly  promise,  upon  the  honour  of  a 
Knight  Templar,  that  you  will  exert  your  best  endea¬ 
vours  to  correct  the  errors,  purify  the  morals,  and  pro¬ 
mote  the  true  happiness  of  those  of  your  brother 
Knights  who  have  attained  this  magnanimous  order  ? 

2.  That  you  will  not  confer  the  orders  on  any  person 
who  has  not  shown  a  charitable  and  humane  disposition, 
nor  upon  any  one  who  is  an  enemy  to  the  Christian  re¬ 
ligion  ;  but  only  upon  such  as  you  have  reason  to  believe 
will  cheerfully  conform  to  all  our  laws  and  precepts  ? 

3.  That  you  will  endeavour  to  promote  the  general 
good  of  the  order  on  all  proper  occasions,  be  ever  ready 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


241 


to  give  and  receive  instruction,  especially  from  the  State 
and  General  Grand  Officers  ? 

4.  That,  to  the  utmost  of  your  power,  you  will  pre¬ 
serve  the  solemnities  of  our  ceremonies  and  conduct 
yourself  in  open  Encampment  with  the  most  profound 
respect  and  reverence,  as  an  example  to  your  brother 
Knights  ? 

5.  That  you  will  not  acknowledge  or  have  intercourse 
with  any  Encampment  which  does  not  work  under  a  con¬ 
stitutional  charter  or  warrant  ? 

6.  That  you  will  not  permit  any  person  to  visit  your 
Encampment  who  has  not  been  knighted  in  an  Encamp¬ 
ment  legally  constituted,  without  his  first  being  formally 
healed  ? 

T.  That  you  will  bind  your  successor  in  office  to  the 
observance  of  these  rules,  to  which  you  have  now  as¬ 
sented  ? 

Do  you  submit  to  all  these  things  and  promise  to  ob¬ 
serve  and  practice  them  faithfully  ? 

Let  us  kneel  and  address  the  throne  of  grace.  Prayer 
by  the  Prelate. 

INSTALLATION  CHARGE  TO  THE  MOST  EMINENT  GRAND 

COMMANDER. 

Most  Eminent, — I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of 
your  office,  which  is  a  cross  surmounted  by  rays  of  light. 
It  is  to  remind  you  that  humility,  love,  and  pure  bene¬ 
volence,  are  refulgent  rays  that  emanate  from  the  pure 
and  undefiled  religion  of  the  blest  Emanuel,  and  which 
should  ever  characterize  the  members  of  this  order ;  it 
is  not  only  to  remind  you  of  the  respect  and  obedienco 
21 


242 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


you  have  a  right  to  expect  from  your  brother  Knights, 
hut  also  those  important  duties  which  you  owe  to  them 
and  the  order. 

I  now  declare  you  duly  installed  Grand  Commander 
of - Encampment,  not  doubting  your  determina¬ 

tion  to  support,  to  the  utmost  of  your  ability  and  in¬ 
fluence,  the  honour  and  reputation  of  this  magnanimous 
order ;  and  I  am  persuaded  as  it  will  be  for  your  in¬ 
terest,  that  you  will  govern  this  Encampment  with  such 
wisdom  and  regularity  as  will  convince  the  Sir  Knights 
that  their  confidence  and  partiality  has  not  been  mis¬ 
placed. 

I  now  present  you  with  a  Charter,  under  which  you 
will  be  authorized  to  Work:  you  will  consider  it  a 
sacred  deposit,  and  never  permit  it  to  be  used  for  any 
other  purpose  than  those  which  are  expressed  in  it. 
The  Holy  Bible,  the  great  Luminary  in  every  degree  of 
Masonry,  together  with  the  Cross  Swords,  I  now  con¬ 
fide  to  your  care.  In  the  former  part  of  this  sacred 
volume  we  are  taught  to  believe  in  the  existence  of  the 
eternal  Jehovah,  the  Creator  of  all  things,  the  Governor 
of  the  universe  and  the  Judge  of  all :  that  man  is  a 
moral  and  accountable  being ;  that  he  at  first  was 
created  upright,  but  fell  by  transgression,  and  became 
justly  exposed  to  eternal  punishment.  In  the  latter 
part  we  are  taught,  that  when  there  was  no  eye  to  pity 
nor  created  arm  to  save,  Infinite  Benevolence  devised  a 
plan  whereby  God  could  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  him 
that  believeth  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  that  the  great 
Messiah  came  into  this  rebellious  world,  took  upon  him- 
self  the  character  of  a  servant,  fulfilled  the  law,  suffered 
an  ignominious  death  upon  the  cross  :  that  he  rose  from 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


243 


the  dead,  ascended  into  heaven,  and  is  now  seated  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father,  making  intercession  for 
his  people :  that  he  has  opened  a  door  whereby  all  who 
will  may  enter  into  life  eternal. 

By  the  cross  swords  we  are  reminded  of  the  armor 
we  should  put  on  when  we  are  called  upon  to  wrestle 
against  principalities  and  powers,  against  spiritual  wick¬ 
edness  in  high  places,  being  assured  that  by  the  sword 
of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God,  we  shall  come 
off  conquerors  and  more  than  conquerors  through  him 
that  loved  us. 

The  Constitution  of  the  General  Grand  Encampment 
of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
under  whose  immediate  authority  you  act,  together  with 

the  By-Laws  of - Encampment,  are  committed  to 

your  care.  It  will  be  necessary  frequently  to  consult 
them,  and  take  special  care  that  none  of  the  latter  mili¬ 
tate  against  the  former.  And  now  M.  E.  permit  me  to 
place  you  in  the  chair  of  your  Command,  emblematic 
of  that  which  was  formerly  filled  by  a  succession  of 
heroes  of  whom  the  world  was  not  worthy :  and  may 
their  bright  example,  whose  matchless  deeds  are  recorded 
on  the  historic  page,  animate  you  to  the  faithful  dis¬ 
charge  of  every  duty. 

The  Grand  Master  then  proclaims, — “Sir  Knights, 
behold  your  Grand  Commander.”  The  Knights  rise, 
draw  swords,  and  present  arms :  while  in  this  position, 
the  M.  W.  says : 

“Recollect,  Sir  Knights,  that  the  future  welfare 
and  prosperity  of  your  Encampment  will  depend  as 
much  on  your  obedience,  attention,  and  assistance,  as 


244 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


upon  the  wisdom,  assiduity,  and  exertion  of  your  Grand 
Commander.” 

The  Sir  Knights  recover  arms,  return  arms,  and  are 
seated.  The  M.  W.  then  continues : 

“  Your  duty  henceforth,  M.  E.,  will  be  to  direct  the 
ceremonies  of  the  Encampment  with  wisdom  and  impar¬ 
tiality,  to  confer  the  orders  on  those  who  on  application 
shall  be  found  worthy ;  to  preserve  the  Laws  and  Con¬ 
stitution  of  the  order  from  innovation  and  violation ;  to 
dispense  justice,  reward  merit,  encourage  truth,  suppress 
profanity  at  all  times,  and  dispense  the  sublime  princi¬ 
ples  of  universal  benevolence.  You  will  distribute  alms 
to  poor  and  weary  pilgrims  travelling  from  afar ;  feed 
the  hungry,  clothe  the  naked,  and  bind  up  the  wounds 
of  the  afflicted.  In  a  word,  you  will  inculcate  and 
practice  the  duties  of  Charity  and  hospitality,  and 
govern  your  Commandery  with  justice  and  modera¬ 
tion.” 

The  Grand  Master  then  directs  all  the  officers  of  the 
new  Encampment,  except  the  Grand  Commander,  to  rise 
and  prepare  to  take  the  oath  of  office,  similar  to  the 
one  taken  by  the  G.  C. 

The  officers  elect  rise,  and  every  third  Knight  from 
the  right  draws  and  drops  his  sword  to  the  right,  in  a 
horizontal  position ;  the  Knights  (except  those  who  hold 
the  swords),  lay  their  left  hand  on  the  swords  before 
them,  and  the  right  upon  their  left  breast. 

The  M.  W.  then  administers  the  obligation  as  fol¬ 
low  :  “  You  and  each  of  you  promise  and  agree,  upon 
the  honor  of  a  Knight  Templar,”  &c.,  &c.,  as  before. 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  presents  the  Generalissimo. 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


245 


CHARGE  TO  THE  GENERALISSIMO. 

Sir, — You  having  been  appointed  to  the  office  of  Ge¬ 
neralissimo  of  this  Encampment,  I  now  invest  you  with 
the  badge  of  your  office,  which  is  a  Square  surmounted 
by  a  Paschal  Lamb.  When  beholding  the  lamb,  let  it 
stimulate  you  to  have,  at  all  times,  a  watchful  eye  over 
your  own  conduct,  and  an  earnest  solicitude  for  the 
prosperity  of  the  kingdom  of  the  blest  Emanuel,  the 
spotless  Lamb  of  God,  who  was  slain  from  the  founda¬ 
tion  of  the  world. 

The  square  is  to  remind  you  that  the  institution  of 
Freemasonry  and  the  orders  of  Knighthood  were  for¬ 
merly  governed  by  the  same  Grand  Masters,  and  that 
the  same  principles  of  brotherly  love  and  friendship 
should  for  ever  govern  the  members  of  both  orders. 
Your  station,  Sir  Knight,  is  on  the  right  of  your  Com¬ 
mander  ;  your  duty  is  to  receive  and  communicate  all 
orders,  signs,  and  petitions,  to  assist  your  Commander 
in  his  various  duties,  and  in  his  absence  to  preside  in 
the  Encampment. 

The  exercise  of  all  your  talents  and  zeal  will  be  ne¬ 
cessary  in  the  discharge  of  your  varied  duties.  I  charge 
you  therefore  to  be  faithful  to  the  Sir  Knights  with  whom 
you  are  associated ;  put  them  often  in  remembrance  of 
those  things  which  tend  to  their  everlasting  peace : 
finally,  “  preach  to  them  the  word :  be  instant  in 
season  and  out  of  season  :  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort,  with 
all  long-suffering  and  doctrine ever  remembering  the 
promise,  “Bo  thou  faithful  unto  death*  and  I  will  give 
thee  a  crown  of  life.” 


24G 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


CHARGE  TO  THE  CAPTAIN-GENERAL. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  to  the  important  office  of 
Captain-General  of  this  Encampment.  I  now  invest 
you  with  the  badge  of  your  office,  which  is  a  level  sur¬ 
mounted  by  a  cock.  As  the  undaunted  courage  and 
valour  of  the  cock  stimulates  him  to  conquer  his  compe¬ 
titor  or  yield  himself  a  victim  to  the  contest,  so  should 
you  be  stimulated  to  the  discharge  of  every  duty.  You 
should  have  on  “  the  breastplate  of  righteousness,’ ’  so 
that  with  patience  and  meekness  you  may  ever  travel  on 
the  level  of  humility,  and  be  so  supplied  with  divine 
grace  as  to  prevent  you  from  selling  your  God  or  deny¬ 
ing  your  Master. 

Your  station  is  on  the  left  of  your  Commander. 
Your  duty,  among  many  other  things,  is  to  see  that  the 
proper  officers  make  all  due  preparation  from  the  various 
meetings  of  the  Encampment,  that  the  council  chamber 
and  asylum  are  in  suitable  array  for  the  introduction  of 
candidates  and  the  despatch  of  business.  You  are  also 
to  receive  and  communicate  all  orders  issued  by  the  G. 
C.  through  the  officers  of  the  line.  You  are  to  assist  in 
Council,  and,  in  the  absence  of  your  Commander  and 
Generalissimo,  you  are  to  govern  the  Encampment. 
The  distressed  widow,  the  helpless  orphan,  and  the  in¬ 
nocent  of  the  weaker  sex,  you  are  ever  to  assist  and 
protect.  But,  above  all,  you  are  to  stand  forth,  having 
your  loins  girt  about  with  truth,  in  the  defence  of  the 
Christian  religion  from  all  its  enemies.  And  now  I  ex¬ 
hort  you,  that  with  fidelity  you  perform  every  duty : — 
“  and  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  heartily  as  to  the  Lord,  and 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA 


247 


not  unto  men  :  continue  in  prayer,  and  watch  in  the  same 
with  thanksgiving;”  ever  bearing  in  mind  the  promise, 
“  Be  not  weary  in  well  doing,  for  in  due  time  you  shall 
reap,  if  ye  faint  not.” 


CHARGE  TO  THE  MOST  EXCELLENT  PRELATE. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Prelate  of  this  Encampment. 
I  now  have  the  pleasure  of  investing  you  with  this  triple 
triangle,  which  is  the  badge  of  your  office,  and  a  beauti¬ 
ful  emblem  of  the  Eternal  Jehovah.  Your  station  is  on 
the  right  of  the  Generalissimo ;  your  duty  is  at  the  altar, 
to  offer  up  prayers  and  oblations  to  the  Deity.  The 
duties  of  your  office  are  very  interesting,  and  highly  im¬ 
portant,  and  will  require  your  early  and  punctual  atten¬ 
dance,  at  every  meeting.  Your  jewel  is  to  remind  you 
of  the  importance  of  the  trust  reposed  in  you ;  and  may 
He,  who  is  able  abundantly  to  furnish  you  for  every  good 
work,  preserve  you  from  falling  into  error,  improve, 
strengthen,  establish,  and  perfect  you,  and  finally  greet 
you  with  “Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.” 


CHARGE  TO  THE  SENIOR  WARDEN. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Senior  Warden  of  this  En¬ 
campment.  I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your 
office,  which  is  a  Hollow  Square  and  Sword  of  Justice. 
Let  the  sword  of  justice  be  ever  drawn  to  guard  the  consti¬ 
tution  of  the  order.  Your  station  is  at  the  southwest  angle 


248 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


of  the  triangle,  and  upon  the  right  of  the  first  division. 
You  will  attend  the  Pilgrim  Warrior  travelling  from  afar, 
comfort  and  support  the  Pilgrim  Penitent,  and  recommend 
them,  after  due  trial,  to  the  favour  and  protection  of  the 
Grand  Commander.  You  will  be  assiduous  in  teaching 
your  division  their  duties  and  exercises.  You  will,  on 
all  occasions,  form  the  avenues  for  the  approach  and 
departure  of  your  commander ;  and  prepare  the  lines 
for  inspection  and  review.  Let  it  be  your  constant  care 
that  the  Warrior  be  not  deterred  from  duty,  nor  the 
Penitent  molested  on  his  journey.  Pinally,  “let  your 
light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they,  seeing  your  good 
works,  may  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven.” 

CHARGE  TO  THE  JUNIOR  WARDEN. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Junior  Warden  of  this  En¬ 
campment.  I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your 
office,  which  is  an  Eagle  and  Flaming  Sword.  It  is  to 
remind  you  to  perform  your  various  duties  with  justice 
and  valour,  having  an  eagle  eye  on  the  prosperity  of  the 
order.  Your  station  is  at  the  northwest  angle  of  the 
triangle,  and  on  the  left  of  the  third  division.  Your 
duty  is  to  attend  weary  pilgrims,  travelling  from  afar, 
conduct  them  on  their  journey,  plead  their  cause,  and, 
by  permission  of  the  Grand  Commander,  introduce  them 
into  the  Asylum.  You  will  be  careful  that,  in  addition 
to  the  sandals,  staff,  and  scrip,  their  whole  preparation 
and  deportment  be  such  as  shall  cause  them  to  be  recog¬ 
nized  as  children  of  humility.  Teach  them  that  “  Magna 
est  veritas  et  praevalebit”  is  the  motto  of  one  of  our 
orders,  and  although,  in  the  course  of  their  pilgrimage. 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


249 


they  will  often  find  the  heights  of  fortune  inaccessible, 
and  the  thorny  path  of  life  crooked,  adverse  and  for¬ 
lorn  ;  yet,  by  faith  and  humility,  courage,  constancy, 
and  perseverance  in  the  great  duties  set  before  them  in 
the  Gospel,  they  may  gain  admission  into  the  Asylum 
above;  there  to  enjoy  the  honor  and  rewards  that  await 
che  valiant  soldiers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Finally, 
be  perfect,  always  abounding  in  the  works  of  the  Lord ; 
that  you  may  be  a  shining  light  in  the  world.  A  city 
that  is  set  on  a  hill  cannot  he  hid. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  TREASURER. 

Sir,— You  are  appointed  Treasurer  of  this  Encamp¬ 
ment. — I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 
Your  station  is  on  the  right  of  the  G.  Commander,  in 
front.  The  qualities  which  should  recommend  a  Trea¬ 
surer  are  accuracy  and  fidelity :  accuracy  in  keeping  a 
fair  and  minute  account  of  all  receipts  and  disburse¬ 
ments  ;  fidelity  in  carefully  preserving  all  the  property 
and  funds  of  the  Encampment,  that  may  be  placed  in 
his  hands,  and  rendering  a  just  account  of  the  same 
whenever  he  is  called  upon  for  that  purpose.  I  presume 
that  your  respect  and  attachment  to  the  Encampment, 
and  your  earnest  solicitude  for  a  good  name,  which  is 
better  than  precious  ointment,  will  prompt  you  to  the 
faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  your  office. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  RECORDER. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Recorder  of  this  Encamp¬ 
ment. — I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 
Your  station  is  on  the  left  of  the  G.  Commander,  in 


250 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA, 


front.  The  qualities  which  should  recommend  a  Re¬ 
corder  are  promptitude  in  issuing  the  notifications  and 
orders  of  his  superior  officers ;  punctuality  in  attending 
the  meetings  of  the  Encampment ;  correctness  in  re¬ 
cording  their  proceedings ;  judgment  in  discriminating 
between  what  is  proper  and  what  is  improper  to  he  com¬ 
mitted  to  writing  ;  integrity  in  accounting  for  all  moneys 
that  may  pass  through  his  hands,  and  fidelity  in  paying 
the  same  over  into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer.  The 
possession  of  these  good  qualities,  I  presume,  has  desig¬ 
nated  you  as  a  suitable  candidate  for  this  important 
office  ;  and  I  cannot  entertain  a  doubt  that  you  will  dis¬ 
charge  its  duties  beneficially  to  the  Encampment  and 
honorably  to  yourself.  And  when  you  shall  have  com¬ 
pleted  the  record  of  your  transactions  here  below,  and 
finished  the  term  of  your  probation,  may  you  be  admit¬ 
ted  into  the  celestial  Asylum  of  saints  and  angels,  and 
find  your  name  recorded  in  the  Lamb’s  Book  of  Life. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  STANDARD  BEARER. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Standard  Bearer  of  this 
Encampment.  I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your 
office,  which  is  a  Plumb  surmounted  by  a  Banner.  Your 
station  is  in  the  West,  and  in  the  centre  of  the  second 
division.  Your  duty  is  to  display,  support  and  protect 
the  Standard  of  the  order,  which  I  now  with  pleasure 
confide  to  your  valour.  You  will  remember  that  it  is 
our  rallying  point  in  time  of  danger  ;  and  wdien  unfurled 
in  a  just  and  virtuous  cause,  you  will  never  relinquish  it 
to  an  enemy  but  with  your  life.  Let,  therefore,  your 
conduct  be  such  as  all  the  virtuous  will  delight  to  imi 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA.  2-51 

t 

tate ;  let  the  refulgent  rays  which  ever  emanate  from 
pure  benevolence  and  humility,  diffuse  their  lustre  on  all 
around,  that  it  may  encourage  and  animate  all  true  and 
courteous  Knights,  and,  at  the  same  time,  confound  and 
dismay  all  their  enemies. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SWORD  BEARER. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Sword  Bearer  of  this  En¬ 
campment. — I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your 
office,  which  is  a  Triangle  and  Cross  Swords.  Your  sta¬ 
tion  is  on  the  right  of  the  Standard  Bearer,  and  on  the 
right  of  the  second  division  when  formed  in  line.  Your 
duty  is  to  watch  all  orders  and  signals  from  the  Grand 
Commander,  and  see  that  they  are  promptly  obeyed* 
You  are  also  to  assist  in  the  protection  of  the  banners 
of  the  order,  with  a  heart  lively  devoted  to  the  princi¬ 
ples  of  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity  :  with  the  mystic  sword 
that  is  endowed  with  justice  and  fortitude,  and  tempered 
by  mercy,  in  your  hand,  you  may  cast  your  eyes  upon 
the  Standard  and  remember  that  “In  hoc  signo  vincis” 
is  an  expressive  motto  of  our  order,  and  consoling  to  the 
heart  of  every  believer. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  WARDER. 

Sir, — You  are  appointed  Warder  of  this  Encamp- 
xnent. — I  now  invest  you  with  the  badge  of  your  office 
which  is  a  square  plate  with  a  Trumpet  and  Cross 
Swords  engraved  thereon.  Your  station  is  upon  the  left 
of  the  Standard  Bearer,  and  upon  the  left  of  the  second 
division  when  formed  in  line.  Your  duty  is  to  announce 


252 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


the  approach  and  departure  of  the  Grand  Commander, 
to  post  the  sentinels,  and  see  that  the  Asylum  is  duly 
guarded.  You  will,  also,  report  all  petitions  from  visi¬ 
tors  and  strangers,  and  communicate  the  orders  of  your 
superior  officers :  and  I  charge  you  to  be  punctual  in 
your  attendance  at  our  meetings  and  indefatigable  in  the 
discharge  of  your  important  duties  ;  for  though  yours  is 
among  the  last  officers  in  the  Encampment,  it  is  by  no 
means  the  least  in  importance. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  THREE  GUARDS. 

Sir  Knights, — You  are  appointed  Captains  of  the 
Guards.  I  now  invest  you  with  your  badge  of  office, 
which  is  a  square  plate  with  a  Battle  Axe  engraved 
thereon.  Your  post  is  that  of  honor  as  well  as  danger. 
You  will  therefore  be  vigilant,  and  challenge  with  spirit, 
examine  with  caution,  admonish  with  candour,  relieve 
cheerfully,  protect  with  fidelity,  and  fight  valiantly. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  ENCAMPMENT. 

Sir  Knights, — To  manage  and  conduct  the  concerns 
of  an  Encampment  of  Knights  Templars  with  that 
promptitude,  integrity  and  skill  which  the  Institution 
demands,  will  require  the  exercise  of  all  the  talents  and 
perseverance  of  its  officers  and  members.  Are  any  of 
you  solicitous  that  your  equals  and  inferiors  should  con¬ 
duct  towards  you  with  deference  and  respect  ?  you  will  be 
sure  to  let  no  opportunity  pass  without  furnishing  them 
with  an  example  in  your  own  conduct  towards  your 
superiors.  The  officers  will  recollect  that  those  moral 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


253 


and  religious  duties  and  precepts  'which  they  from  time 
to  time  so  forcibly  impress  upon  the  minds  of  others 
should  by  no  means  be  neglected  by  themselves ;  as  the 
most  effectual  way  to  ensure  success  is  to  let  precept  and 
example  go  hand  in  hand. 

I  would  therefore  exhort  one  and  all  of  you  to  look 
well  to  the  East,  to  the  West,  to  the  North  and  to  the 
South,  and  see  that  the  entering  avenues  are  strictly 
guarded,  and  that  you  suffer  no  one  to  pass  the  thresh- 
hold  of  your  Asylum  hut  the  worthy  Children  of  Hu 
mility  ;  and  at  the  same  time,  that  you  suffer  no  one 
to  walk  among  you  disorderly,  without  admonition  or 
reproof.  While  such  is  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and 
members,  you  may  rest  assured  that  this  valiant  magna 
nimous  order  will  forever  flourish  like  the  green  bay  tree. 
And  now,  my  worthy  Sir  Knights,  I  wTould  address  you 
in  the  language  of  David  to  his  beloved  city,  “Peace  be 
within  thy  walls  and  prosperity  within  thy  palaces.” 
For  my  Brethren  and  Companions’  sakes,  I  will  now 
say,  Peace  be  within  thee. 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  proclaims  the  new  Encamp 
ment  in  the  following  manner,  viz : 

“  In  the  name  of  the  Most  Eminent  Grand  Encamp¬ 
ment  of  the  State  of - ,  I  proclaim  this  new  En¬ 
campment,  by  the  name  of - ,  to  be  legally  consti¬ 

tuted,  consecrated,  and  the  officers  duly  installed.” 

The  lines  are  then  formed,  and  return  in  the  same 
order  to  the  hall  from  whence  they  started  where  the 
business  of  the  Encampment  is  resumed.  After  the 
necessary  business  is  finished,  the  Encampment  is  closed 
in  duo  and  ancient  form. 

22 


>=sj  -•  ,  '  f!  *.>•!  i  2 


» 


^  .  •  * 

. 


. 


. 


■ 

. 


v- 


. 


CONSTITUTION 


OF  THE 

GENERAL  GRAND  ENCAMPMENT 

OP  KNIGHTS  TEMPLARS  AND  APPENDANT  ORDERS  POR  THE 
UNITED  STATES  OE  AMERICA 

As  Amended  in  1844. 


ARTICLE  I. 

Sec.  1.  The  General  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights 
Templars,  and  the  Appendant  Orders,  for  the  United 
States  of  America,  consists  of  a  General  Grand  Master, 
Deputy  General  Grand  Master,  General  Grand  General¬ 
issimo,  General  Grand  Captain  General,  General  Grand 
Prelate,  General  Grand  Senior  Warden,  General  Grand 
Junior  Warden,  General  Grand  Recorder,  General  Grand 
Treasurer,  General  Grand  Standard  Bearer,  General 
Grand  Sword  Bearer,  General  Grand  Warder,  all  Past 
General  Grand  Masters,  Deputy  General  Grand  Masters, 
General  Grand  Generalissimos,  and  General  Grand  Cap¬ 
tain  Generals  of  this  General  Grand  Encampment ;  the 
Grand  Masters,  Deputy  Grand  Masters,  Grand  General¬ 
issimos,  and  Grand  Captain  Generals  of  all  such  State 
Grand  Encampments  as  may  be  instituted  or  holden  by 
virtue  of  this  Constitution^  and  the  said  enumerated 

(255) 


256 


CONSTITUTION. 


officers,  or  their  proxies,  shall  be  the  only  members  and 
voters  in  the  said  General  Grand  Encampment. 

Provided ,  That  the  Encampments,  holding  Charters 
from  this  General  Grand  Encampment,  in  the  several 
States,  wherein  there  are  no  Grand  Encampments,  may 
be  represented  in  this  General  Grand  Encampment,  and 
the  officers  of  such  Encampments  collectively,  shall  have 
a  right  to  one  vote,  but  not  a  right  to  appear  by  proxy. 
Nor  shall  a  Past  Grand  Master  have  the  right  to  appear 
by  proxy.  And  provided  further ,  That  no  person  shall 
be  constituted  a  proxy  unless  at  the  same  time  he  shall 
be  a  member  of  some  Grand  or  subordinate  Encamp¬ 
ment. 

Sec.  2.  The  time  of  meeting  of  the  General  Grand 
Encampment  shall  be  on  the  2d  Tuesday  of  September 
triennially,  for  the  choice  of  officers  and  other  business, 
at  such  place  as  may  be  from  time  to  time  appointed. 

Sec.  3.  A  special  meeting  of  the  General  Grand  En¬ 
campment  shall  be  called  whenever  any  two  of  the  first 
four  General  Grand  Officers  may  deem  it  necessary ; 
and  also  whenever  it  may  be  required  by  a  majority  of 
the  Grand  Encampments  of  the  States  aforesaid;  pro¬ 
vided  that  such  requisition  be  made  known,  in  writing, 
by  the  said  Encampments  respectively,  to  either  of  the 
before-mentioned  General  Grand  Officers. 

Sec.  4.  The  General  Grand  Master,  Deputy  General 
Grand  Master,  General  Grand  Generalissimo,  and  Gene¬ 
ral  Grand  Captain  General,  are  severally  hereby  autho¬ 
rized  and  empowered  to  visit  and  preside  in  any  and 
every  assembly  of  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross,  Knights 
Templars,  and  of  Malta,  throughout  the  jurisdiction  of 


CONSTITUTION. 


1257 


the  General  Grand  Encampment,  and  to  give  such  in¬ 
structions  and  directions  as  the  good  of  the  Institution 
may  require  ;  always  adhering  to  the  ancient  landmarks. 

Sec.  5.  In  all  cases  of  the  absence  of  any  officer  from 
any  assembly  instituted  or  holden  by  virtue  of  this  Con¬ 
stitution,  the  officer  next  in  rank  shall  succeed  his  supe¬ 
rior  ;  unless  through  courtesy  such  officer  shall  decline 
in  favour  of  a  Past  Superior  Officer  present.  And  in 
case  of  the  absence  of  all  the  officers,  the  members 
present,  according  to  seniority  and  abilities,  shall  fill  the 
several  offices. 

Sec.  6.  In  every  assembly  of  Knights,  all  questions 
(except  upon  the  admission  of  members  or  candidates) 
shall  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  votes;  the  presi¬ 
ding  officer  for  the  time  being,  shall  be  entitled  to  a 
vote,  if  a  member;  and  in  case  the  votes  should  be 
equally  divided,  he  shall  also  give  the  casting  vote. 

Sec.  T.  In  case  any  casualty  shall  at  any  time,  pre¬ 
vent  the  triennial  election  of  officers,  the  several  Gene¬ 
ral  Grand  officers  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  un¬ 
til  successors  be  duly  elected  and  qualified. 

Sec.  8.  No  person  shall  hereafter  be  eligible  to  any 
office  in  the  General  or  any  State  Grand  Encampment, 
unless  he  shall  at  the  time  be  a  member  of  some  subor¬ 
dinate  Encampment. 

Sec.  9.  The  General  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Gene¬ 
ral  Grand  Master,  General  Grand  Generallissimo,  and 
General  Grand  Captain  General,  shall  severally  have 
power  and  authority  to  institute  new  Councils  of  Knights 
of  the  Red  Cross,  and  Encampments  of  Knights  Tem¬ 
plars  and  of  Malta,  in  any  State  or  Territory  wherein 
there  is  not  a  Grand  Encampment  regularly  established. 

22  * 


258 


CONSTITUTION. 


Provided ,  That  no  Dispensation  shall  be  in  force  be¬ 
yond  the  time  of  the  next  triennial  meeting  of  the  Ge¬ 
neral  Grand  Encampment,  except  the  same,  for  cause 
shown,  shall  be  renewed. 

And  provided  further ,  That  no  Encampment  shall  be 
established  in  any  State  or  Territory,  where  there  is  an 
Encampment,  without  the  approbation  or  consent  of  the 
nearest  Encampment  to  the  applicants  having  been  first 
obtained. 

Sec.  10.  The  fees  for  instituting  a  new  Council  and 
Encampment,  shall  be  ninety  dollars,  exclusive  of  such 
compensation  for  executing  the  Letters  of  Dispensation, 
or  Charter,  as  may  be  deemed  reasonable. 

Sec.  11.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  either  of  the  Gene¬ 
ral  Grand  officers,  who  may  hereafter  create  new  En¬ 
campments,  to  notify  the  General  Grand  Recorder  of  the 
same,  so  soon  thereafter  as  possible ;  and  also  to  trans¬ 
mit  the  fees  for  the  same  to  the  General  Grand  Treasu¬ 
rer  within  thirty  days  thereafter. 

Sec.  12.  For  every  Knight  Templar  hereafter  created 
in  any  Encampment  holden  by  Dispensation  from  either 
of  the  General  Grand  Officers,  and  whilst  under  the  im¬ 
mediate  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Grand  Encamp¬ 
ment,  such  Encampment  shall  pay  the  sum  of  two  dol¬ 
lars  into  the  General  Grand  Treasury. 


CONSTITUTION . 


250 


ARTICLE  II. 

OF  STATE  GRAND  ENCAMPMENTS. 

Sec.  1.  Whenever  there  shall  he  three  or  more  En¬ 
campments  instituted,  or  liolden  under  this  Constitution 
in  any  one  State,  a  Grand  Encampment  may  be  formed 
in  such  State,  after  obtaining  the  approbation  and  con¬ 
sent  of  the  General  Grand  Master,  the  Deputy  General 
Grand  Master,  or  the  General  Grand  Encampment. 

Sec.  2.  The  State  Grand  Encampments  shall  seve¬ 
rally  consist  of  a  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand  Master, 
Grand  Generallissimo,  Grand  Captain  General,  Grand 
Prelate,  Grand  Senior  Warden,  Grand  Junior  War¬ 
den,  Grand  Recorder,  Grand  Treasurer,  Grand  Stan¬ 
dard  Bearer,  Grand  Sword  Bearer,  Grand  Warder, 
all  Past  Grand  Masters,  Deputy  Grand  Masters, 
Grand  Generallissimos,  and  Grand  Captain  Gene¬ 
rals,  of  any  State  Grand  Encampment,  wheresoever  they 
may  reside  ;  the  Grand  Commanders,  Generallissimos, 
and  Captain  Generals,  for  the  time  being  of  the  En¬ 
campments  over  which  they  shall  respectively  preside ; 
and  all  Past  Grand  Commanders  of  such  Encampments, 
so  long  as  they  shall  continue  in  active  existence,  and 
their  said  enumerated  officers,  or  their  proxies,  shall  be 
the  only  members  and  voters  of  the  said  State  Grand 
Encampments  respectively. 

Sec.  3.  The  State  Grand  Encampments  shall  bo 
holden  at  least  once  in  every  year,  at  such  times  and 
places  as  they  shall  respectively  direct,  and  the  Grand 
or  Deputy  Grand  Masters  respectively,  may  call  spe- 


2G0 


CONSTITUTION. 


cial  meetings  when  they  deem  the  same  necessary. 
Their  officers  shall  be  chosen  annually  by  ballot. 

Sec.  4.  The  several  State  Grand  Encampments,  sub¬ 
ject  to  the  provisions  of  this  Constitution  shall  have  the 
sole  government  and  superintendence  of  the  several 
Councils  of  Knights  of  the  Red  Cross,  Knights  Tem¬ 
plars  and  Knights  of  Malta,  within  their  respective  ju¬ 
risdictions  ;  to  assign  their  limits,  and  settle  controver¬ 
sies  that  may  happen  between  them;  and  shall  have 
power,  under  their  respective  Seals,  and  the  signs 
manual  of  their  respective  principal  Grand  Officers,  at¬ 
tested  by  their  respective  Grand  Secretaries,  to  consti¬ 
tute  new  Councils  and  Encampments  of  the  above-men¬ 
tioned  Orders,  within  their  respective  jurisdictions. 

Sec.  5.  The  Grand  and  Deputy  Grand  Masters, 
severally,  shall  have  the  power  and  anthority,  during 
the  recess  of  the  Grand  Encampment  of  which  they  are 
officers,  to  grant  Letters  of  Dispensation  under  their 
respective  hands,  and  private  seals,  to  a  competent  num¬ 
ber  of  petitioners,  residing  within  their  respective  ju¬ 
risdictions,  (possessing  the  Constitutional  qualifications,) 
empowering  them  to  form  and  open  a  Council  and  En¬ 
campment,  for  a  certain  specified  term  of  time,  not  ex¬ 
tending  beyond  the  next  meeting  of  the  Grand  Encamp¬ 
ment.  And  in  all  cases  of  such  Dispensations  the 
officer  granting  the  same  shall  make  report  thereof  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Grand  Encampment,  which  may 
either  continue  or  recall  the  same,  or  may  grant  the  pe 
titioners  a  Charter. 

Sec.  6.  The  several  State  Grand  Encampments  shall 
possess  authority,  upon  the  institution  of  new  Councils 


CONSTITUTION. 


261 


or  Encampments  within  their  respective  jurisdictions,  to 
require  the  payment  of  such  fees  ns  they  may  deem  ex 
pedient,  which  fees  shall  be  advanced  and  paid  before  a 
Charter  or  Letters  of  Dispensation  shall  be  issued. 

Sec.  T.  The  State  Grand  Encampments  shall  sev¬ 
erally  have  power  to  require  from  the  several  Councils 
and  Encampments,  within  their  respective  jurisdictions, 
such  reasonable  proportion  of  sums  received  by  them 
for  conferring  the  degrees  and  such  certain  annual  sums 
from  their  respective  members,  as  may  be  necessary  for 
supporting  the  Grand  Encampment  with  propriety  and 
respectability ;  which  said  dues  shall  be  made  good  and 
paid  over  by  the  Councils  and  Encampments  respectively 
at  such  times  as  the  said  Grand  Encampment  may 
direct. 

Sec.  8.  No  charter  shall  be  issued  for  constituting 
an  Encampment  of  Knights  Templars  and  the  appen¬ 
dant  Orders,  except  upon  the  petition  of  nine  Knights 
of  those  Orders  ;  and  a  recommendation  of  the  Encamp¬ 
ment  in  the  same  State  nearest  the  place  where  the  new 
Encampment  is  to  be  established. 

Sec.  9.  The  Grand  Recorders  shall  severally  make 
an  annual  communication  to  each  other,  and  also  to  the 
General  Grand  Recorder,  containing  a  list  of  Grand 
Officers,  and  all  such  other  matters  as  may  be  deemed 
useful  for  the  mutual  information  of  the  several  Grand 
Encammnents.  And  the  said  State  Grand  Recorders 

-A. 

shall  also  regularly  transmit  to  the  General  Grand 
Recorder,  a  copy  of  all  their  Ey-Laws  and  Regu¬ 
lations. 

Sec.  10.  The  jurisdiction  of  the  several  State  Grand 


262 


CONSTITUTION. 


Encampments  shall  not  extend  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
State  in  which  they  shall  respectively  he  holden ;  except¬ 
ing  any  case  wherein,  before  the  formation  of  this  Con¬ 
stitution,  a  Grand  Encampment  had  been  formed  by  an 
united  representation  of  the  Encampments  in  two  ad¬ 
joining  States. 


ARTICLE  III. 

OF  SUBORDINATE  COUNCILS  AND  ENCAMPMENTS. 

Sec.  1.  All  regular  assemblies  of  Knights  of  the  Red 
Cross  are  called  Councils ;  and  all  regular  assemblies 
of  Knights  Templars  and  Knights  of  Malta  are  called 
Encampments.  Every  Council  and  Encampment  ought 
to  assemble  at  least  quarterly,  for  business  and  improve¬ 
ment.  Every  Encampment  shall  consist  of  a  Grand 
Commander,  Generalissimo,  Captain  General,  Prelate, 
Senior  Warden,  Junior  Warden,  Recorder,  Treasurer, 
Standard  Bearer,  Sword  Bearer,  Warder,  and  as  many 
members  as  may  be  found  convenient. 

Sec.  2.  No  Encampment  shall  confer  the  orders  of 
Knighthood  for  a  less  sum  than  twenty  dollars,  nor  upon 
any  one  who  shall  not  have  regularly  received  the  seve¬ 
ral  degrees  of  Entered  Apprentice,  Fellow  Craft,  Mas¬ 
ter  Mason,  Mark  Master,  Past  Master,  Most  Excellent 
Master,  and  Royal  Arch  Mason.  The  rule  of  succes¬ 
sion  in  conferring  the  orders  of  Knighthood  shall  be  as 
follows,  viz :  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross,  Knight  Templar 
Knight  of  Malta.  Provided ,  That  the  Encampment 


CONSTITUTION. 


263 


within  ths  jurisdiction  of  this  General  Grand  Encamp¬ 
ment  may  confer  the  orders  of  Knighthood  upon  regu¬ 
larly  ordained  officiating  clergymen  without  fee. 

Sec.  3.  Every  Council  and  Encampment  shall  have  a 
Charter  from  the  Grand  Encampment  of  the  State  in 
which  they  may  respectively  be  holden,  or  a  Dispensa¬ 
tion  from  one  of  the  first  four  Grand  Officers.  And  no 
Council  or  Encampment  that  may  hereafter  be  formed 
or  opened  shall  be  deemed  legal  without  such  Charter  or 
Dispensation ;  and  communication  is  hereby  interdicted 
and  forbidden  between  any  Council  or  Encampment 
under  this  jurisdiction,  or  any  member  of  either  of  them, 
and  any  Council,  Encampment,  or  Assembly  that  may 
be  so  formed,  opened,  or  holden  without  such  Charter  or 
Dispensation,  or  any  or  either  of  their  members,  or  any 
person  introduced  into  such  illegal  assembly. 

Sec.  4.  The  Grand  Commander  of  every  Encamp¬ 
ment  and  Council  has  it  in  special  charge  to  see  that 
the  By-Laws  of  his  Council  or  Encampment  are  duly 
observed,  as  well  as  the  General  Constitution,  and  the 
Regulations  of  the  General  Grand  Encampment ;  that 
accurate  records  are  kept,  and  just  accounts  rendered ; 
that  regular  returns  are  made  to  the  Grand  Encamp¬ 
ment,  and  to  the  General  Grand  Recorder  annually,  and 
that  the  annual  due3  are  promptly  paid.  He  has  autho¬ 
rity  to  call  special  meetings  at  pleasure ;  and  it  is  his 
duty,  together  with' his  second  and  third  officer,  to  atttnd 
all  meetings  of  the  Grand  Encampment  in  person  or  by 
proxy. 

Sec.  5.  It  shall  not  be  deemed  regular  for  any  En¬ 
campment  or  Council  to  confer  the  orders  of  Knight- 


264 


CO  NSTI TUTION. 


hoed  upon  any  sojourner,  whose  fixed  place  of  abode  is 
within  any  State  in  which  there  is  an  Encampment  regu 
larly  established;  and  in  case  any  Encampment  shall 
confer  the  said  orders,  contrary  to  this  section,  such 
Encampment  shall,  on  demand,  pay  over  to  the  Encamp¬ 
ment  situated  nearest  the  candidate’s  fixed  place  of  abode, 
the  whole  amount  of  fees  received  for  his  admission. 

Sec.  6.  The  officers  of  every  Council  and  Encamp¬ 
ment  under  this  jurisdiction,  before  they  enter  upon  the 
exercise  of  their  respective  offices,  and  also  the  mem¬ 
bers  of  such  Councils  and  Encampments,  and  every  can¬ 
didate  upon  his  admission  into  the  same,  shall  take  the 
following  obligation,  viz :  “  I,  A.  B .,  do  promise  and 
swear  that  I  will  support  and  maintain  the  Constitution 
of  the  General  Grand  Encampment  of  Knights  Templars 
for  the  United  States  of  America. 

Sec.  T.  The  General  Grand  Encampment  shall  be 
competent,  on  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  its  members 
present,  at  any  time  hereafter,  to  revise,  amend,  and 
alter  this  Constitution. 


PART  III, 


PRAYERS  AND  SONGS. 


PRAYER  AT  OPENING. 

Almighty  and  All  Present  God!  unto  whom  all 
hearts  are  open,  and  from  whom  no  secret  is  hid, 
cleanse  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  inspiration  of 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  perfectly  love  thee,  and 
worthily  magnify  thy  holy  name ;  and  direct  us  in  our 
present  work ;  and  in  all  our  doings  may  we  be  furthered 
by  thy  continual  help ;  that  in  them  all,  begun,  con¬ 
tinued  and  ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy  holy 
name,  and  finally,  with  all  our  Brethren,  be  found 
worthy  of  admission  to  the  great  Lodge  above,  through 
the  merits  of  our  gracious  Redeemer,  thy  Son,  our 
Lord.  Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 

PRAYER  AT  CLOSING. 

Oh  God !  who  knowest  our  down  sitting  and  our  up¬ 
rising,  and  understandest  our  thoughts,  and  compasseth 
23  (2  f)5> 


266 


PRAYERS  . 


about  our  ways ;  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings, 
without  charity  are  nothing  worth,  pour  into  our  hearts 
that  most  excellent  gift  of  charity,  the  very  bond  of 
peace,  and  of  all  virtues,  without  which,  whosoever 
liveth  is  counted  dead  before  thee ;  and  grant  that  when 
we  are  called  off  from  the  labours  of  earth,  we,  and  all 
our  Brethren,  may  be  led  forth  by  our  Grand  Junior 
Warden,  to  partake  of  the  refreshments  of  that  heavenly 
Lodge,  where  the  weary  are  at  rest,  and  the  wicked 
cease  from  troubling.  Grant  this,  for  his  sake.  Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 


PRAYER  AT  MAKING. 

Oh  God !  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all  mankind ! 
Who  dost  create  light  and  make  darkness ;  without 
whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  perfect,  create  in  this 
thy  servant,  a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit 
within  him ;  the  spirit  of  understanding,  that  he  may 
see,  the  spirit  of  thy  most  holy  fear,  that  he  may  ever 
faithfully  observe  the  obligations  which  are  now,  or 
shall  hereafter  be  imposed  upon  him : — defend  him  from 
the  dangers  that  beset  his  pathway,  and  bring  him  to 
the  life  and  light  of  the  great  Lodge  above ;  for  the 
sake  of  him  who  has  vouchsafed  to  be  our  conductor 
through  the  darkness  of  our  earthly  pilgrimage. 
Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 


PRAYERS. 


267 


No.  3. 

Oh  thou  great  and  glorious  God !  who  alone  canst 
defend  us  amid  the  manifold  dangers  that  beset  our 
pathway  through  life,  vouchsafe  us  thine  aid,  we  be¬ 
seech  thee,  in  all  our  trials  and  temptations,  whensoever 
they  assail  us ;  raise  this  our  brother  from  his  fallen 
estate,  and  guide  him  in  an  upright  walk  and  conversa¬ 
tion,  let  the  still  small  voice  of  thy  Spirit  whisper  in 
his  ear  the  words  of  wisdom,  let  thy  Fatherly  hand  ever 
be  around  him,  and  do  thou  direct  his  feet  into  the 
paths  of  peace  ;  may  his  breast  ever  faithfully  keep  and 
guard  the  interests  which  friendship  there  reposes ;  and 
at  last,  when  he  has  diligently  executed,  in  the  rough 
quarries  of  earth,  the  designs  thou  hast  inscribed  on 
his  trestle  board,  and  shall  be  smitten  down  by  the 
ruthless  hand  of  death,  may  he  be  raised  to  the  life 
immortal,  and  be  found  worthy  of  fellowship  with  the 
saints,  and  in  the  great  Lodge  above  be  permitted  to 
see  thee  face  to  face,  and  worship  thee  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness.  We  ask  this  not  for  any  merit  of  ours,  but 
only  for  the  merits  of  thy  Son,  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 


No.  4. 

PRAYER  AT  CLOSING  A  MARK  LODGE. 

Oh  God!  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings, 
without  Charity  are  nothing  worth,  pour  into  our  hearts 


2G8 


PRAYERS. 


that  most  excellent  gift  of  Charity,  the  very  bond  cf 
peace,  and  of  all  virtues;  without  which  whosoever 
liveth  is  counted  dead  before  thee ;  and  when  we  are 
brought  forth  from  these  rough  quarries  of  earthly  dis¬ 
cipline,  may  we  be  found  worthy  of  passing  the  scrutiny 
of  our  Grand  Master  Overseer,  and  as  living  stones,  ob¬ 
tain  a  place  in  that  spiritual  temple  not  made  with 
hands, — eternal  in  the  heavens :  grant  this,  0  Lord, 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 

No.  5. 

PRAYER  AT  CLOSING  A  PAST  MASTER’S  LODGE. 

0  God !  without  whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing 
wise,  nothing  perfect ;  by  whom  kings  rule,  and  princes 
decree  justice ;  who  alone  canst  elevate  man  to  power, 
and  give  him  grace  to  rule  with  discretion ;  grant  to  us, 
thy  servants,  the  spirit  of  wisdom,  and  understanding  to 
discern  the  duties  of  our  several  stations;  and  endow 
us  with  grace,  that  we  may  faithfully  discharge  the 
same.  Grant  this,  0  Lord,  for  the  sake  of  Him  who 
died  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  thy  law,  thy  Son,  our 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 


No.  6. 

PRAYER  AT  CLOSING — MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER’S 

DEGREE. 

0  thou !  before  whom  the  angel  bows  and  the  arch¬ 
angel  veils  his  face,  who  dwellest  in  the  high  and  holy 


PRAYERS. 


269 


place,  we  bow  ourselves  in  the  dust  of  humility,  and 
worship  thee ;  beseeching  thee  to  grant,  that  when  our 
labours  shall  be  ended  here  on  earth,  we  may  be  re¬ 
received  and  acknowledged  as  worthy  of  a  place  among 
those  most  excellent  men  who  have  served  thee  faith¬ 
fully  here,  and  now  rest  from  their  labours  in  the 
realms  of  unspeakable  bliss ;  grant  this,  gracious  God, 
for  the  sake  of  our  great  and  most  excellent  Master 
Builder,  in  whom  we  are  complete,  and  to  whom,  with 
thee,  and  the  Divine  Spirit,  we  ascribe  all  honour  and 
glory,  now,  and  in  ages.  Amen. 

So  mote  it  be. 


No.  T. 

PRAYER  AT  EXALTATION. 

Omniscient  God !  to  whom  the  darkness  shineth  as 
the  light,  and  who  seest  that  we  are  set  in  the  midst  of 
so  many  and  so  great  dangers,  that  by  reason  of  the 
frailty  of  our  mortal  nature,  we  cannot  always  stand 
upright,  mercifully  assist  and  deliver  us  in  all  our  ad 
versities,  whensoever  they  oppress  us ;  direct,  govern, 
and  help  us  in  all  our  ways ;  strengthen  us  when  we 
stand,  and  raise  us  up  when  we  fall ;  that  amid  the 
sundry  and  manifold  changes  and  chances  of  this  mortal 
life,  we  may  ever  be  defended  by  thy  most  gracious  and 
ready  help,  and  finally,  by  thy  mercy  be  exalted  to  the 
light  and  glor^of  thy  heavenly  habitation,  through  the 
merits  of  Jesus  Christ,  our  Redeemer  and  Guide, 
Amen. 

Response.  Holiness  to  the  Lord. 

23* 


270 


PRAYERS. 


No.  8. 

AT  CLOSING  A  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER ;  OR  A  COUNCIL  OF 
ROYAL  AND  SELECT  MASTERS. 

Great  and  Eternal  Jehovali !  who  didst  manifest  thy¬ 
self  to  thy  servant  Moses  in  the  mount,  and  hast  also 
vouchsafed  to  he  the  friend  and  companion  of  thy  people, 
and  the  great  High  Priest  of  our  salvation;  we  bow 
before  thee  and  worship. 

Great  and  glorious  King !  eternal,  immortal,  and  in¬ 
visible,  who  dwellest  in  the  light  and  glory  of  the  high 
and  holy  place,  and  dost  rule  and  govern  all  things  in 
heaven  and  on  earth ;  we  bow  and  worship  before  thy 
throne. 

Spirit  of  the  living  God  !  by  whose  inspiration  holy 
men  of  old  did  write  these  sacred  Scriptures ;  great  and 
glorious  Scribe,  and  Teacher  of  thy  people,  and  Author 
of  all  wisdom  ;  we  bow  before  thee  and  worship. 

Glorious  Council  of  Heaven !  Divine  and  alone  !  grant 
to  us  thy  servants,  that  when  we  have  served  thee  in  our 
generation,  we  may  be  gathered  to  our  fathers  in  the 
comfortable  assurance  of  a  joyful  resurrection ;  and  at 
last  be  found  worthy  of  admission  to  thy  presence,  where 
there  is  joy  for  evermore.  Amen. 

Response.  Holiness  to  the  Lord. 

No.  9. 

PRAYER  AT  CLOSING — ORDER  OF  HIGH^RIESTIIOOD. 

Great  and  glorious  Lord  God  !  who  alone  hast  entered 
into  the  high  and  holy  place,  and  communed  with  the 


PRAYERS. 


271 


Father,  and  declared  him  to  man ;  we,  thy  servants, 
whom  thou  hast  exalted  to  a-  noble  degree,  and  made 
kings  and  priests  before  God,  do  worship  and  adore 
thee,  as  the  great  High  Priest  of  our  salvation,  the  Me¬ 
diator  between  God  and  man,  a  Priest  for  ever,  after  the 
order  of  Melchisedec.  Amen. 

Response  to  he  said  by  all  present.  “  Glory  be  to 
God  on  high,  and  on  earth  peace,  good-will  toward  men ; 
we  praise  thee ;  we  bless  thee ;  we  glorify  thee :  holy, 
holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty  !  which  was,  and  is,  and 
is  to  come.”  So  mote  it  be. 


No.  10. 

ENCAMPMENT  DEGREES — PRAYER  AT  OPENING. 

Sovereign  Ruler  of  the  Universe  !  we  bow  before  thy 
throne,  most  humbly  beseeching  thee  to  free  us  from  the 
chains  of  ignorance,  and  to  remove  far  from  us  the  ha¬ 
biliments  of  shame  and  disgrace :  clothe  us,  we  pray 
thee,  with  the  pure  and  spotless  robes  of  thy  own  right¬ 
eousness,  give  unto  us  beauty  for  ashes,  the  garment  of 
praise  for  the  spirit  of  heaviness,  and  anoint  us  with  the 
oil  of  joy ;  graft  in  our  hearts  the  love  of  the  truth,  and 
fit  and  prepare  us  to  sit  down  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob,  at  the  marriage  supper  of  thy  son.  Grant  this, 
0  Lord,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the 
Holy  Ghost :  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God  Almighty. 


272 


PRAYERS. 


No.  11. 

ORDERS  OF  KNIGHTHOOD — PRAYER  AT  CLOSING. 

Oh  thou !  who  didst  go  forth  as  Captain  of  the  Hosts 
of  the  Lord,  to  fight  the  battles  of  thy  people,  and  to 
open  up  a  way  of  access  for  the  weary  pilgrim  to  the 
heavenly  Jerusalem ;  endue  us,  who  have  enlisted  as 
soldiers  of  the  cross,  with  the  panoply  of  truth ;  shield 
and  defend  us  in  all  attacks  of  our  enemies ;  and  make 
us  instrumental  in  protecting  suffering  innocence,  and 
encouraging  pious  devotion ;  and  at  last,  when  all  Turks 
and  infidels  shall  be  subjected  to  thy  cross,  and  every 
enemy  shall  be  destroyed,  may  we,  and  all  thy  saints, 
come  off  conquerors,  and  more  than  conquerors,  and  be 
crowned  with  glory  and  immortality  in  the  realms  of 
eternal  peace.  Amen. 

J Response.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son, 
and  to  the  Holy  Ghost :  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord  God 
Almighty.  ' 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE’S  SONG-. 

{Air — Cephas.) 

This  song  is  used  at  the  laying  of  corner  stones  of  buildings, 
being  sung  by  the  craft  as  they  walk  in  procession  around  the 
stone.* * 


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underneath  the  other  masonry. 


273 


274  ENTERED  APPRENTICE’S  SONG. 


26* 


What  future  ages  may  disclose, 

The  sacred  truths  to  us  reveal’d, 

By  Him,  who  fell  by  ruthless  foes. 

On  Him,  this  corner  stone  we  build, 

To  Him,  this  edifice  erect ; 

And  still,  until  this  work’s  fulfill’d, 

May  Heaven  the  workman’s  ways  direct. 

Theie  words  may  be  sung  to  “  Creation,”  or  any  long  metre  tune 


27 G  THE  ANCIENT  MASTER  MASONS  SONG 


THE  ANCIENT  MASTER  MASON'S  SONGk 

(Air — Lenox.) 


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THE  ANCIENT  MASTER  MASONS  SONG.  277 


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Then  merrily  we  sing, 

And  each  fulfils  his  part ; 
Our  working  tools  we  bring, 
To  practice  ancient  art, 
With  gauge  and  gavel, 
Plumb  and  square, 
Compass  and  lev’l, 

The  work  we  share. 

24 


We  meet  upon  the  lev’l, 

And  acting  by  the  plumb, 

The  square  makes  parting  civil, 
Where  wars  should  never  come; 
Then  here’s  a  song, 

From  a  joyous  heart, 

High  twelve,  ding  dong, 

And  we  must  part. 


278 


MARK  MASTE  r’s  SONG. 

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279 


You  who  have  pass’d  the  square, 
For  your  rewards  prepard, 

Join  heart  and  hand ; 
Each  with  his  mark  in  view , 
March  with  the  just  and  true ; 
Wages  to  you  are  due 

At  your  command. 

#  Hiram,  the  widow’s  son, 

Sent  unto  Solomon 

Our  great  key-stone : 
On  it  appears  the  name 
Which  raises  high  the  fame 
Of  all  to  whom  the  same 

Is  truly  known. 

Now  to  the  westward  move, 
Where,  full  of  strength  and  love, 
Hiram  doth  stand ; 
But  if  impostors  are 
Mix’d  with  the  worthy  there, 
Caution  them  to  beware 

Of  the  right  hand . 

Now  to  the  praise  of  those 
Who  triumph’d  o’er  the  foes 
Of  mason’s  art ; 

To  the  praiseworthy  three, 

Who  founded  this  degree ; 

May  all  their  virtues  be 

Deep  in  our  hearts. 


280  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTE  R5S  SONG. 


The  following  song  is  sung  with  solemn  ceremony : 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER'S  SONG. 


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MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER’S  SONG.  283 

Companions  assemble 
On  this  joyful  day  ; 

The  occasion  is  glorious. 

The  key-stone  to  lay : 

Fulfill’d  is  the  promise, 

By  the  ANCIENT  OF  DAYS, 

To  bring  forth  the  cap-stone 
With  shouting  and  praise. 

[ Ceremonies .] 

There  is  no  more  occasion  for  level  or  plumb-line, 

For  trowel  or  gavel,  for  compass  or  square : 

Our  works  are  completed,  the  ark  safely  seated, 

And  we  shall  be  greeted  as  workmen  most  rare. 

Now  those  who  are  worthy, 

Our  toils  who  have  shar’d, 

And  prov’d  themselves  faithful, 

Shall  meet  their  reward ; 

Their  virtue  and  knowledge, 

Industry  and  skill, 

Have  our  approbation, 

Have  gain’d  our  good  will. 

We  accept  and  receive  them,  Most  Excellent  Masters, 
Invested  with  honors,  and  power  to  preside; 

Among  worthy  craftsmen,  wherever  assembled, 

The  knowledge  of  Masons  to  spread  far  and  wide. 

ALMIGHTY  JEHOVAH ! 

Descend  now  and  fill 
This  Lodge  with  thy  glory, 

Our  hearts  with  good  will ! 

Preside  at  our  meetings, 

Assist  us  to  find 
True  pleasure  in  teaching 
Good  will  to  mankind. 

Thy  wisdom  inspired  the  great  institution, 

Thy  strength  shall  support  it  till  nature  expire ; 

And  when  the  creation  shall  fall  into  ruin, 

Its  beauty  shall  rise  through  the  midst  of  the  fire . 


284 


SONGS. 


S.  M. 

Blest  is  the  tie  that  binds 
Our  hearts  in  social  love : 

The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above. 

We  share  our  mutual  woes, 

Our  mutual  burdens  bear ; 

And  often  for  each  other  flows 
The  sympathizing  tear. 

No  sorrow,  toil,  nor  pain, 

In  the  great  lodge  above, 

There  perfect  joy  and  friendship  reign, 
And  all  that  lodge  is  love. 

II.  1. 

E’en  now  to  my  expecting  eyes 

The  lieaven-built  towers  of  Salem  rise ; 

Their  glory  I  survey ; 

I  view  her  mansions  that  contain 

The  Royal  Host,  the  glorious  train, 

And  shine  with  cloudless  day. 

0 

Mother  of  cities  !  o’er  thy  head 
Bright  peace,  with  healing  wings  outspread, 
Forevermore  shall  dwell : 

Let  me,  blest  seat,  my  name  behold 
Among  thy  citizens  enroll’d, 

And  bid  these  cares  farewell. 

L.  M. 

Our  lodge  triumphant  lifts  its  head 
From  dust  and  darkness  and  the  dead; 
Though  humbled  long,  it  wakes  at  length, 

All  girded  with  masonic  strength. 


SONGS. 


285 


Put  all  thy  beauteous  garments  on, 

And  let  thy  excellence  be  known : 
Clothed  in  the  robes  of  righteousness, 
The  world  thy  glory  shall  confess. 

No  more  shall  foes  unclean  invade, 

And  fill  thy  hallow’d  courts  with  dread ; 
No  more  shall  hell’s  insulting  host 
Their  victory  and  thy  sorrows  boast. 


III.  5. 

Lord,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing, 
Fill  our  hearts  with  joy  and  peace, 
Let  us  each,  thy  love  possessing, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  grace ; 

Oh !  refresh  us — 

Travelling  through  this  wilderness. 


II.  5. 

Rise  crown’d  with  light,  imperial  Salem  rise ! 

Exalt  thy  tow’ring  head  and  lift  thine  eyes ! 

See  heaven  its  sparkling  portals  wide  display, 

And  break  upon  thee  in  a  flood  of  day ! 

See  barb’rous  nations  at  thy  gates  attend, 

Walk  in  thy  light,  and  in  thy  temple  bend ! 

See  thy  bright  altars  throng’d  with  prostrate  kings, 
While  every  land  its  joyous  tribute  brings  ! 

The  seas  shall  waste,  the  skies  to  smoke  decay, 
Rocks  fall  to  dust,  and  mountains  melt  away ; 

But  fix’d  his  word,  his  saving  power  remains — 
Thy  realm  shall  last,  thy  own  Messiah  reigns. 


TEMPLAR’S  SONGS 


L.  M. 

He  dies !  the  Friend  of  sinners  dies, 

Lo  I  Salem’s  daughters  weep  around  ! 

A  solemn  darkness  veils  the  skies ! 

A  sudden  trembling  shakes  the  ground  * 

0 

Here’s  love  and  grief  beyond  degree ! 

The  Lord  of  glory  dies  for  men ! 

But  lo  !  what  sudden  joys  we  see  ! 

Jesus,  the  dead,  revives  again ! 

The  rising  God  forsakes  the  tomb ; 

Up  to  his  Father’s  court  he  flies ; 
Cherubic  legions  guard  him  home, 

And  shout  him  welcome  to  the  skies  \ 

III.  3. 

Guide  me,  O  thou  great  Jehoval^ 
Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land ; 

I  am  weak,  but  thou  art  mighty ; 

Hold  me  with  thy  pow’rful  hand. 

Open  now  the  crystal  fountains 
Whence  the  living  waters  flow ; 

Let  the  fiery,  cloudy  pillar, 

Lead  me  all  my  journey  through. 

Feed  me  with  the  heavenly  manna 
In  this  barren  wilderness ; 

Be  my  sword,  and  shield,  and  banner; 
Be  the  Lord  my  righteousness. 

When  I  tread  the  verge  of  Jordan, 

Bid  my  anxious  fears  subside  ; 
Death  of  death,  and  hell’s  destruction, 
Land  me  safe  on  Canaan’s  side. 


T  E  M  P  L  A  r’s  SONGS. 


287 


L.  M. 

As,  when  the  weary  traveler  gains 
The  height  of  some  commanding  hill, 

His  heart  revives,  if  o’er  the  plains 
He  sees  his  home,  though  distant  still. 

So,  when  the  Christian  pilgrim  views 
By  faith  his  mansion  in  the  skies. 

The  sight  his  fainting  strength  renews, 
And  wings  his  speed  to  reach  the  prize. 

The  hope  of  heaven  his  spirit  cheers ; 

No  more  he  grieves  for  sorrows  past ; 

Nor  any  future  conflict  fears, 

So  he  may  safe  arrive  at  last. 

O  Lord,  on  thee  our  hopes  we  stay, 

To  lead  us  on  to  thine  abode ; 

Assur’d  thy  love  will  far  o’erpav 
The  hardest  labors  of  the  roacL 


THE  MASON'S  ADIEU. 
(Air — Bonny  Doon.) 
WORDS  BY  BURNS. 


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Though  I  to  for  -  eign  lands  must  hie,  Pur- 

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THE  MASON’S  ADIEU. 


289 


-ei 


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su  -  ing  fortune’s  slipp’ryba’ ;  With  melting  heart  and 


Si 


To  spend  a  cheerful  festive  night, 

Oft,  honour’d  with  supreme  command, 
Presiding  o’er  the  sons  of  light: 

And  by  that  hieroglyphic  bright, 

Which  none  but  craftsmen  ever  saw, 
Strong  mem’ry  on  my  heart  shall  write, 
Those  happy  scenes  when  far  awa\ 

May  freedom,  harmony,  and  love, 
Cement  you  in  the  grand  design, 
Beneath  th’  Omniscient  Eye  above, 

The  glorious  Architect  divine : 

That  you  may  keep  th’  unerring  line, 
Still  guided  by  the  plummet’s  law, 
’Till  order  bright  completely  shine, 

Shall  be  my  prayer  when  far  awa’. 


25 


290 


THE  MASO  N’S  ADIEU. 


And  you,  farewell,  whose  merits  claim 
Justly  that  highest  badge  to  wear, 

May  heaven  bless  your  noble  name, 

To  Masonry  and  friendship  dear : 

My  last  request  permit  me  then, 

When  yearly  you’re  assembled  a’, 

One  round,  I  ask  it  with  a  tear, 

To  him,  your  friend  that’s  far  awa’. 

And  you,  kind-hearted  sisters,  fair, 

I  sing  farewell  to  all  your  charms- 
Th’  impression  of  your  pleasing  air 
With  rapture  oft  my  bosom  warms, 

Alas !  the  social  winter’s  night 

No  more  returns  while  breath  I  draw, 

’Till  sisters,  brothers,  all  unite, 

In  that  Grand  Lodge  that’s  far  awa’. 

Girry  be  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth  peace,  good 
will  towards  men.  Amen. 


PART  IY. 


FORMS. 


The  following  Forms  embrace  all  the  various  requirements, 
both  of  the  private  members  and  of  the  officers  of  the  Institution, 
from  the  first  expression  of  the  desire  of  a  candidate,  up  to  the 
orders  emanating  from  the  Grand  Commander  of  an  Encamp, 
ment  of  Knights  of  the  Temple ;  and  will  doubtless  be  found 
invaluable  to  the  young  craftsman. 


No.  1. 

FORM  OF  AN  APPLICATION  FOR  INITIATION. 

To  the  Worshipful  Master,  Officers,  and  Brethren,  of  [St.  John's 

Lodge ,  No.  36.] 

The  undersigned,  unbiassed  by  the  improper  solicitation  of 
friends,  and  uninfluenced  by  other  unworthy  motive,  prompted 
by  a  favourable  opinion  of  your  ancient  institution,  and  a  desire 
for  knowledge,  freely  and  voluntarily  offers  himself  a  candidate 
for  initiation  into  the  mysteries  of  Freemasonry,  and  respect- 

(291) 


292 


FORMS. 


fully  prays  that  he  may  he  admitted  and  become  a  member  of 
your  worshipful  Lodge,  promising  a  cheerful  conformity  to  the 
ancient  usages  and  established  customs  of  the  Order. 

Signed,  A.  B. 

Age, 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by 

- -  [Richmond,  Va. 

-  May  2 6/A,  A.  L.  5851.] 


No.  2. 

APPLICANT  FOR  MEMBERSHIP. 

To  the  Worshipful  Master,  Officers,  and  Brethren,  of  [<$/.  John’s 

Lodge ,  No.  36.] 

The  undersigned,  initiated,  passed,  and  raised  in  Lodge 
[No.  39,]  and  last  a  member  of  [ Marshall  Lodge,  No.  39,]  re¬ 
spectfully  prays  that  he  may  be  admitted  a  member  of  your 
worshipful  Lodge.  Signed,  A.  B. 

Age, 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by 

-  [Richmond,  Va. 

-  May  26, 1851,  A.  L.  5851.] 


No.  3. 

REPORT  ON  APPLICATION. 

To  the  Worshipful  Master,  Officers,  and  Brethren,  of  [S/.  John's 

Lodge ,  No.  36.] 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  [26/A  nit.,]  to  make  the  neces¬ 
sary  inquiries  relative  to  A.  B.,  an  applicant  for  initiation,  ( or 
membership,)  have  performed  that  duty,  and  beg  leave  to  report 


FORMS. 


293 


in  favour  of  [or,  against]  the  prayer  of  the  petition  being 
granted. 

[Richmond,  Va., 

June  26,  A.  D.  1851,  A.  L.  5851.] 
- 1-  Committee. 

Note. — In  case  an  applicant  for  initiation  is  disqualified  according 
to  the  28th  section  of  the  Constitution,  (title  Members ,)  the  report 
should  state  the  fact,  and  recommend,  that  the  applicant  have  leave 
to  'withdraw  his  petition. 


No.  4. 

APPLICANT  FOR  DISPENSATION  TO  AVOID  DELAY. 

To  the  Right  Worshipful  [W.  H.  Milnor,  Esq.,  Grand  Master 
of  Masons  in  the  State  of  New  York.] 

The  petition  of  [ Edward  Howard]  respectfully  showeth, 

That  your  petitioner  entertains  a  high  opinion  of  the  ancient 
and  honourable  Society  of  Freemasons,  and  is  desirous  of 
becoming  a  member  thereof;  but  being  about  to  leave  the 
State,  he  is  unable  to  wait  the  usual  delays  required  by  the  By- 
Laws  of  a  Lodge.  Your  petitioner  therefore  prays  that  you 
will  be  pleased  to  grant  a  dispensation  authorizing  him  to  be 
entered,  passed,  and  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  a  Master 
Mason,  in  [Manhattan  Lodge,  No.  62,]  held  in  [New  York 
city.] 

And  your  petitioner,  as  in  duty  bound,  will  ever  pray,  &c. 

[Edward  Howard,] 

[New  York,  May  26,  1851,  A.  L.  5851.] 

Age, 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

We,  the  Officers  of  Lodge  [No.  62,]  beg  leave  to  recommend 
the  above  petitioner  to  the  Right  Worshipful  Grand  Master,  as 
25* 


204 


FORMS. 


a  person  who,  in  our  opinion,  is  worthy  of  being  initiated  into 
the  mysteries  of  our  ancient  and  honourable  fraternity. 

Granted.  W.  M. 

Signed,  [W.  H.  Milnor.]  S.  W. 

J.  W. 

[New  York,  May  26, 1851,  A.  L.  5851.] 


No.  5. 

LETTERS  DISPENSATORY. 

We,  [William  T.  Read,  Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  the 
State  of  Delaware,]  do  send  these  presents  to  the  W.  Master 
of  Lodge,  No. 

Greeting : 

By  virtue  of  the  powers  and  authorities  in  us  vested,  we  do 
hereby  authorize  and  empower  you  to  enter,  pass,  and  raise, 
in  your  Lodge  to  the  sublime  degree  of  a  Master  Mason )  it 
appearing  that  he  is  about  to  leave  the  State,  and  cannot  wait 
the  usual  delays  required  by  your  By-Laws.  If  the  same 
meets  the  approbation  of  your  Lodge,  this  shall  be  your  suf¬ 
ficient  warrant  for  so  doing. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal  at 
this  day  of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  18  ,  and 

of  Masonry,  58 

Attest,  [George  W.  Clayton,] 

Grand  Secretary. 


No.  6. 

APPLICANT  FOR  SECOND  DEGREE. 

To  the  W.  Master,  Officers,  and  Brethren,  of  Lodge  No. 

The  undersigned,  who  has  been  regularly  entered  in  Lodge 
No.  ,  respectfully  prays  that  he  may  be  admitted  to  further 


FORMS. 


205 


light  in  Masonry,  by  being  passed  to  the  degree  of  a  Fellow- 
Craftsman. 

Age,  A.  B. 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by  [Charleston, 

JI.  L.  5851,  May  28 th,  1851.] 


No.  7. 

APPLICANT  FOR  THIRD  DEGREE. 

To  the  W.  Master,  Officers,  and  Brethren,  of  Lodge 

No. 

The  undersigned,  who  has  been  regularly  entered  and  passed 
in  Lodge  No.  ,  respectfully  prays  that  he  may  receive  further 
light  in  Masonry,  by  being  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of 
Master  Mason.  .  A.  B. 

Age, 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by  [Columbus,  0. 

Ji.  L.  5851,  May  1st ,  1851.] 


No.  8. 

APPLICANT  FOR  DISPENSATION  TO  PASS  THE  CHAIR. 

To  [Charles  H.  Ohr,  Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  the  State 

of  Maryland.] 

The  undersigned,  having  been  regularly  entered,  passed,  and 
raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  a  Master  Mason,  in 
Lodge,  No.  ,  and  having  been  honoured  by  the  unanimous 
suffrages  of  his  brethren,  respectfully  prays  that  you  will 


296 


FORMS. 


grant  him  a  dispensation,  authorizing  him  to  he  passed  to  th<? 
Chair. 

Fraternally  yours,  &c. 

A.  B 

Recommended  by  the 
undersigned,  Officers  and 

Brethren  of  Lodge  No.  [Baltimore, 

May  30 th,  A.  L.  5851.] 


No.  9. 

LETTERS  DISPENSATORY  TO  PASS  TO  THE  CHAIR. 

We,  [Charles  H.  Ohr,  Grand  Master  of  Masons,  in  the  State 
of  Maryland,]  send  these  presents  to  the  Worshipful  Master  and 
Past  Masters  of  Lodge,  No.  .  Greeting : 

By  virtue  of  powers  vested  in  us,  we  do  hereby  authorize 
and  empower  you  to  pass  to  the  Chair  our  Brother  , 

a  Master  Mason,  and  a  Member  of  Lodge,  No.  , 

who  has  been  duly  recommended  to  us  by  your  Lodge ;  for 
which  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal,  at  ,  this  day 

of  June,  A.  L.  5851. 

[  l.  s.  ]  [Charles  H.  Ohr, 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  Marylan d.~\ 

Attest,  [JosEPn  Robinson, 

Grand  Secretary .] 


No.  10. 

COMMISSION  TO  TRAVEL  AND  FRATERNIZE. 

To  the  Right  Worshipful  Grand  Lodges,  and  Worshipful  Lodges 
of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  throughout  the  Globe,  East 
and  West,  and  between  North  and  South. 

We,  [W.  H.  Hubbard,  Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  the 


FORMS. 


297 


State  of  Ohio,]  on  the  continent  of  America,  send  these  pre¬ 
sents. 


A 

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Greeting : 

Prosperity,  Fraternity  and  Peace. 

By  the  high  virtue  of  our  office,  we  do  hereby 
grant  to  our  worthy  Brother,  [John  Raymond,  Esq.] 
(sometime  Treasurer  of  our  Grand  Lodge),  a  dispensation  tc 
travel  in  foreign  parts,  to  present  to  our  Brethren  whom  he 
shall  visit,  assurances  of  our  fraternal  regard  and  statements 
of  our  prosperity,  and  to  obtain  such  information  as  may 
promote  the  general  welfare  of  our  ancient  Order.  We 
moreover  commend  him  to  the  esteem  and  brotherly  love 
of  all  to  whom  these  presents  may  come,  and  ask  for  him 
kindly  offices,  and  that  he  may  be  furthered  in  all  laudable 
pursuits;  in  consideration  of  which  good  offices,  we  shall 
consider  ourself,  and  all  the  brethren  of  our  jurisdiction, 
beholden  to  all  and  every  worthy  brother  who  shall  visit 
us  under  like  circumstances ;  that  order,  harmony,  and  fra¬ 
ternal  affection  may  be  cherished  throughout  the  globe. 
We  thus  commit  our  Brother,  under  the  Providence  of  the 
Grand  Master  of  all  the  earth,  to  the  protection  of  all  good 
and  true  Masons. 


Given  under  our  hand,  and  the  Seal  of  our  Grand  Lodge,  at 
[Akron,  this  2d  day  of  June,  A.  L.  5851.] 

[l.  s.  ]  [W.  H.  Hubbard, 

Grand  Master  of  Ohio.'] 

By  the  Grand  Master, 

[B.  F.  Smith, 

Grand  Secretary.] 

N.  B.  The  name  of  the  traveller  should  be  inserted  in  his  own 
handwriting  in  the  margin. 


298 


FORMS. 


No.  11. 

LETTERS  OF  VIRTUE  TO  VISIT  LODGES. 

We,  [Robert  Boyd,  Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  the  State 
of  New  York,]  send  these  presents  to  the  Worshipful  Masters, 
Wardens,  and  Brethren  of  our  jurisdiction. 

Greeting : 

Order,  harmony,  and  knowledge  be  multiplied  among  you. 

By  the  high  virtue  of  our  office,  we  do  hereby  designate  and 
appoint  our  Brother,  [N.  Norris  Halstead,  a  Past  Master  of 
Holland  Lodge,  No.  8,]  of  our  jurisdiction,  as  our  representa¬ 
tive,  in  our  name  and  authority,  to  visit  all  the  worshipful 
Lodges,  to  examine  and  inquire  into  their  state  and  proceedings, 
and  to  report  such  visitation  to  us.  We  also  empower  him  to 
congregate  the  Officers  and  Brethren  of  said  Lodges,  and  ad¬ 
dress  to  them  advice  and  instruction,  at  such  times  and  places 
as  he  may  deem  proper.  And  we  hereby  enjoin  and  require  all 
good  and  true  Masons  to  render  to  this  our  representative,  all 
that  submission  and  respect  which  is  due  to  our  office.  This 
commission  to  continue  in  force  for  the  term  of  three  months 
from  the  date  of  these  presents,  and  no  longer. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal,  in  the  [city  of  New  York, 
this  1st  day  of  June,  Jl.  L.  5850.] 

[l.  s.]  [Robert  Boyd, 

Grand  Master  of  Masons  in  the 
State  of  JYeio  York.] 

By  the  Grand  Master, 

[William  H.  Milnor, 
Grand  Secretary.] 

The  preceding  form  may  be  altered  to  meet  the  case  of  a  Deputy 
for  a  District,  a  Grand  Lecturer,  &c.,  by  substituting  proper  designa¬ 
tions  and  titles. 


FORMS. 


290 


No.  12. 

OVERTURE  FOR  A  CERTIFICATE  FROM  THE  GRAN1) 

MASTER. 

To  [Nelson  Randall,  Esq.  ,]  R.  W.  Grand  Master  of  Masons 

in  the  [State  of  New  York.] 

We  do  hereby  certify  that  [Richard  Pennell]  is  a  Master 
Mason,  and  a  member  of  Lodge,  No.  in  good 

standing;  and  we  therefore  recommend  him  as  worthy  of  ob¬ 
taining  a  Grand  Lodge  Certificate. 

Witness  our  hand  and  seal,  this  [2d  day  of  June,  A.  L.  5851.] 

[  l.  s.  ]  [Jas.  W.  Powel,] 

Master. 

By  the  Master,  [Samuel  Drummond,] 

Secretary. 


No.  13. 

GRAND  MASTER’S  CERTIFICATE. 

• 

g  To  all  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  throughout  the  globe,  the 
g  Grand  Lodge  of  [the  State  of  New  York,]  on  the  Conti- 
§  nent  of  America,  sendeth  these  presents ;  greeting :  peace, 
^  prosperity  and  fraternal  affection  be  multiplied  among  you. 
^  We  do  hereby  commend  our  Brother,  [Richard  Pen* 
§  NELL,1  the  bearer  of  this  certificate,  as  a  Master  Mason, 
P3  and  worthy  of  your  fraternal  confidence  and  regard. 
Witness  our  hand  and  seal,  this  [2d  day  of  June,  1851.] 

[  l.  s.  ]  [Nelson  Randall,] 

Grand  Master  of  Masons 
in  [ New  York.'] 

By  the  Grand  Master, 

[Gerardus  Boyce,] 

Grand  Secretary. 


300 


FORMS. 


No.  14. 

THE  TRAVELLER  ACCREDITED. 

\Milnor  Lodge,  No.  139,  Victor ,  Ontario  Co.,  New  York,]  to 
all  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  throughout  the  globe,  greeting : 
§j  We  do  hereby  commend  our  Brother  [George  N. 
^  West,]  (sometime  a  Warden  of  our  Lodge,)  as  a  worthy 
^  Master  Mason,  to  the  fraternal  confidence  and  regard  of 
^  all  true  Masons  to  whom  this  certificate  may  be  pre- 
in^  sented. 

Witness  our  hands  and  the  seal  of  our  Lodge,  this  [2d  day 

of  June,  A.  L.  5851.]  [Asahel  Moore,]  Master. 

[  l.  s.  ]  [Ansel  Perkins,]  S.  W. 

[L.  C.  Aylworth,]  J.  W. 


No.  15. 

OVERTURE  FOR  A  WARRANT. 

To  the  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  of 
the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Masonic  jurisdic¬ 
tion  thereunto  belonging. 

We,  the  undersigned,  being  regular  Master  Masons,  formerly 
members  of  the  lodges  mentioned  against  our  respective  names, 
and  at  this  time  not  members  of  any  lodge,  pray  for  a  warrant 
of  constitution,  empowering  us  to  meet  as  a  regular  lodge, 
at  to  be  called  and  there  to  discharge  the  duties 

of  Masonry  in  a  constitutional  manner,  according  to  the  forms 
of  the  Order,  and  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 
And  we  have  nominated,  and  do  recommend  brother 
to  be  the  first  Master ;  brother  to  be  the  first  Senior  Warden ; 
and  brother  to  be  the  first  Junior  Warden  of  the  said 

Lodge.  The  prayer  of  this  petition  being  granted,  we  promise 
strict  conformity  to  the  ancient  land-marks  of  the  Order,  and  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 


FORMS. 


301 


We  recommend  that  the  prayer  of  the  above  petition  be 

Signed  by  three  or  more  well-known  and  approved  Master 

Masons. 

RECOMMENDATION  OF  THE  NEAREST  LODGE. 

At  a  meeting  of  lodge  No.  held  at  on  the 

day  of  A.  D.  A.  L. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded :  Besolved,  that  the  above 
petition  be  recommended  to  the  favourable  consideration  of  the 
B.  W.  Grand  Lodge.  W.  M. 

[  L.  s.  ]  Attest,  Secretary. 


No.  16. 

WARRANT  FOR  A  NEW  LODGE. 

[William  Whitney,]  G.  M. ;  [Anthony  Bournonville,] 
D.  G.  M. ;  [James  Hutchinson,]  S.  G.  W. ;  [Peter  Wil¬ 
liamson,]  J.  G.  W. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern : 

The  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania,  greeting : 

WISDOM,  STRENGTH,  FRATERNITY. 

Know  ye  that,  by  virtue  of  the  powers  and  authorities  vested 
in  us,  we  do  hereby  constitute  and  appoint  our  worthy  and  well 
beloved  brethren,  worshipful  master, 

senior  warden,  and  junior  warden  of  a  lodge,  to  be 

called  number  to  be  held 

or  within  five  miles  of  the  same.  And  we  do  further  author¬ 
ize  and  empower  our  said  trusty  and  well  beloved  brethren 

to  admit  and  make  freemasons  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  most  ancient  and  honourable  custom  of  the  royal 
craft  in  all  ages  and  nations  throughout  the  known  world,  and 
not  contrarywise.  And  we  do  further  empower  and  appoint  the 
said  and  their  successors,  to  hear 

and  determine  all  and  singular  matters  and  things  relating  to 
26 


302 


FORMS. 


the  craft  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  said  lodge,  with  the 
assistance  of  the  members  of  the  said  lodge.  "And  lastly,  we 
do  hereby  authorize  and  empower  our  said  trusty  and  well-be¬ 
loved  brethren  [ - ]  to  install  their  succes* 

sors, — being  first  duly  elected  and  chosen, — to  whom  they  shall 
deliver  this  warrant,  and  to  invest  them  with  all  the  powers  and 
dignities  to  their  offices  respectively  belonging :  and  such  suc¬ 
cessors  shall  in  like  manner,  from  time  to  time,  install  their  suc¬ 
cessors,  &c.  &c.  &c.  Such  installation  to  be  upon  or  near  St. 
John  the  Evangelist's  day,  during  the  continuance  of  this 
lodge,  for  ever.  Provided  always,  That  the  said  above  named 
brethren,  and  their  successors,  pay  due  respect  to  this  right  wor¬ 
shipful  Grand  Lodge,  and  the  ordinances  thereof,  otherwise  this 
warrant  to  be  of  no  force  or  effect. 

Given  in  open  Grand  Lodge,  under  the  hands  of  our  right 
worshipful  Grand  Officers  and  the  Seal  of  our  Grand  Lodge,  at 
[Philadelphia,  this  day  of  A.  L.  5851.] 

.  [William  H.  Adams,  G.  S.] 
[John  Thomson,  G.  T.] 


No.  17. 

FORM  OF  A  CERTIFICATE  FOR  A  REPRESENTATIVE. 

To  all  whom  it  may  concern.  Greeting  : 

Be  it  known,  that  at  a  regular  communication  of  [  Clinton 
Lodge ,  No.  140,]  held  at  [  Waterford ,  Saratoga  County ,  JYew 
York,  June  2d,  1851,]  our  worthy  Brother,  [John  Pulton,]  a 
Past  Master,  and  a  Member  of  Lodge  (No.  140,)  of  this  juris¬ 
diction,  was  appointed  the  representative  of  said  Lodge  in  the 
Right  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  New  York. 

Witness  our  hand  and  seal,  this  [2d  day  of  June,  A.  L.  5851.] 

[L*  s.  ]  [James  M.  Austin,] 

Master. 

[Andrew  Hoffman,] 
Secretary. 


General  Returns  from  Lodge  No.  Ancient  York  Masons,  held  under  the  authority  of  the  Right  Wor¬ 
shipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania ,  from  18  to  18 


FORMS 


303 


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General  Returns  from  Lodge  Mo.  Ancient  York  Masons,  held  under  the  authority  of  the  Right  Wor¬ 
shipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania,  from  the  27th  December,  18  to  the  27th  December,  18 _ 


304 


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Attest",  Secretary  of  Lodge  No. 

Ao<e.— It  is  recommended  to  the  Lodge  to  preserve  among  its  record  a  Duplicate  of  the  above  Returns. 


FORMS. 


305 


No.  20. 

FORM  OF  A  DISPENSATION  TO  CONSTITUTE  A  NEW  LODGE, 

AND  RETURN  THERETO. 

We,  [William  Whitney,  Esq.,]  R.  W.  Grand  Master  of 
Masons,  in  [the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,] 

To  onr  worthy  Brother,  [John  Larkin,  Esq.] 

Greeting : 

By  virtue  of  the  powers  and  authorities  in  us  vested,  we  do 
hereby  authorize  and  empower  you  to  call  to  your  assistance  a 
sufficient  number  of  known  and  approved  Past  Master  Masons,  in 
[Media,  Delaware  County ,  Pennsylvania^  to  open  and  constitute 
a  new  Lodge  to  be  held  there ;  and  to  proceed  to  the  installation 
of  our  worthy  Brother,  [J.  B.  Morris,  Esq.,]  Master-elect,  and 
others,  the  officers  of  a  new  Lodge,  there  to  be  established  and 
constituted,  to  be  called  and  known  by  the  name  of  [ Bartram 
Lodge ,  No.  269,]  according  to  the  most  ancient  and  honourable 
custom  of  the  royal  craft,  in  all  ages,  and  amongst  all  nations 
in  the  known  world,  and  not  contrarywise  :  and  make  report  to 
us,  hereunto  annexed,  of  your  proceedings. 

This  dispensation  to  remain  in  force  for  months  from 

the  date  hereof,  and  lio  longer. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal,  at  [ the  city  of  Philadelphia ,] 
in  the  [  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania ,]  this  day  of 

[A.  L.  5851.] 

Attest,  [William  H.  Adams,] 

Grand  Secretary. 

I  do  hereby  report,  That  in  pursuance  of  the  powers  deputed 
in  the  above  dispensation,  on  the  day  of  Anno 

Domini  Anno  Lucis,  in  conjunction  with  a  sufficient  num¬ 
ber  of  known  and  approved  Past  Master  Masons,  I  did  open 
and  constitute  the  Lodge,  called  [Bartram  Lodge ,  No.  169,] 
26* 


306 


FORMS. 


and  instal  the  officers  thereof,  according  to  ancient  usage  and 
form. 

In  witness  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  at 
this  day  of  A.  D.  A.  L. 

[John  Larkin.] 

To  [William  Whitney,  Esq.] 

R.  W.  Grand  Master  of  the 
R.  W.  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania . 


No.  21. 

DEPUTATION  TO  A  PAST  MASTER  TO  ISSUE  DISPENSA¬ 
TIONS  TO  ENTER,  PASS,  AND  RAISE,  AND  TO  PASS 
TIIE  CHAIR. 

We,  [William  C.  Dawson,  Esq.,]  It.  W.  Grand  Master  of 
Masons,  in  and  for  the  [State  of  Georgia,]  and  Masonic  juris¬ 
diction  thereunto  belonging : 

To  our  worthy  and  respected  Brother  ,  a  Past  Master 

Mason,  and  Member  of  Lodge  No.  held  in  the 

under  the  jurisdiction  of  our  B.  W.  Grand  Lodge : 

Deposing  the  greatest  confidence  in  your  zeal,  fervour,  and 
constancy  to  the  craft:  We  do,  by  virtue  of  the  powers  and 
authorities  in  us  vested,  hereby  authorize  and  empower  you  the 
said  ,  in  the  name  of  our  It.  W.  Grand  Master  of 

our  It.  W.  Grand  Lodge,  to  grant  dispensations  in  cases  of 
emergency,  for  entering,  passing,  and  raising  persons  to  the 
sublime  degree  of  a  Master  Mason,  and  also  for  passing  Master 
Masons  to  the  Chair  in  any  of  the  Lodges  now  held,  which 
are,  or  hereafter  may  be  constituted  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
our  It.  W.  Grand  Lodge  in  the  said 

And  that  you  make  due  and  regular  returns  quarterly  to 
us,  or  to  our  successor  in  office,  of  your  proceedings  in  the  pre¬ 
mises.  And  also  that  you  transmit  with  your  said  returns,  the 
price  of  each  dispensation  you  shall  so  grant,  being  —  dollars 


FORMS. 


307 


for  a  dispensation  to  enter,  pass,  and  raise,  and  —  dollars  for  a 
dispensation  to  pass  the  Chair.  This  power  and  authority  to 
be,  and  continue  in  force,  until  revoked  by  us,  or  by  our  suc¬ 
cessor  in  office. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal,  at  [the  city  of  Savannah,  in 
the  State  of  Georgia,]  this  day  of  ,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord,  18  ,  and  of  Masonry,  58  . 

[l.  s.  ]  [William  C.  Dawson,] 

Grand  Master . 

Attest,  [S.  Rose,] 

Grand  Secretary. 


No.  22. 

DISPENSATION  TO  A  LODGE  TO  CONTINUE  ITS  LABOURS, 

AFTER  TIIE  DESTRUCTION  OR  LOSS  OF  ITS  WARRANT. 

We,  [John  S.  M'Corkle,  Esq.,]  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Master  of  Masons,  in  and  for  the  [State  of  Kentucky,]  to  the 
Worshipful  Master,  Wardens,  and  members  of  Lodge, 

No.  ,  held  in 
Greeting : 

Whereas,  our  Right  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge,  by  warrant 
under  the  hands  of  the  then  R.  W.  Grand  Officers,  and  seal  of 
the  R.  W.  Grand  Lodge,  bearing  date,  the  day 

of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand 

hundred  and  and  of  Masonry,  five  thousand 

hundred  and  and  recorded  in  the  book  of  war¬ 
rants,  page  authorized  the  holding 

of  a  Lodge  under  their  jurisdiction,  in 
or  within  five  miles  thereof,  to  be  called 

No.  which  Lodge  was  duly  constituted  on  the 

and  the  labours  thereof  carried  on  agree 
ably  to  the  ancient  land-marks,  so  far  as  our  R.  W.  Grand 
Lodge  has  information  respecting  the  same  : 


\ 


308 


FORMS. 


And,  whereas,  it  has  been  represented  to  us,  that  the  said 
warrant  has  been  [lost  or  mislaid :] 

Now,  therefore,  by  virtue  of  the  powers  and  authorities  in  us 
vested,  we  do  hereby  authorize,  empower,  and  request  you,  the 
present,  and  succeeding  worshipful  Master,  Wardens,  and  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  said  Lodge,  No.  ,  to  continue  your  Masonic 
labours,  in  the  same  full  and  complete  manner,  to  all  intents 
and  purposes,  as  you  could,  or  might  legally  have  done,  if  your 
said  warrant  had  not  been  and  was  still 

in  existence,  agreeably  to  all  the  usages,  rules,  and  regulations 
of  the  ancient  craft,  and  especially  to  those  of  our  It.  W.  Grand 
Lodge,  and  not  contrary  wise. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal,  at  the  [city  of  Lexington, 
in  the  State  of  Kentucky,]  this  day  of 

in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 

and  of  Masonry,  five  thousand  eight 

hundred  and 

[l.  s.]  [John  S.  M'Corkle,] 

Grand  Master. 


Attest, 


[Phillip  0.  Swigert,] 
Grand  Secretary. 


Abstract  of  the  General  Returns  made  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  by  Lodge  No.  held  at 

commencing. 


FORMS 


300 


No.  23. 

Form  of  a  Register  of  Members  and  Of  leers  recommended  to  be 

kept  by  every  Lodge. 


Remarks. 

00 

OJ 

S3 

Q 

•Sniuiemaa 

•p38^93 

■pajjmpv 

•p3;^i;ini 

• 

ues-i 

jo  SniuniSaq  saaq 
-uraui  jo  jaqum^i 

Treasurer. 

- 

Secretary. 

Junior  War¬ 
den. 

Senior  War¬ 
den. 

Worshipful 

Master. 

Day  of  Elec¬ 
tion. 

* 

No.  23. — ( Continued .) 

Register  of  the  Members  of  Lodge,  No.  held  at  commencing 


A 


310 


PORMS 


oo 


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a 

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FORMS. 


311 


No.  24. 

FORM  OF  SPECIAL  ELECTION  RETURN. 

I,  Master  of  Lodge  No.  $  Ancient 

York  Masons,  held  under  the  authority  of  the  right 

worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Pennsylvania,  do  hereby  certify  to 
the  said  right  worshipful  Grand  Lodge,  that  at  an  election  held 
in  virtue  of  a  dispensation  from  the  on  the 

day  of  A.  D.  18  ,  the  following  brethren  were 

duly  elected  Officers  of  the  said  Lodge,  for  the  remainder  of 
the  term  ending  on  St.  John’s  day  in 
18 

W.  M. 

S.  W. 

J.  W. 

S. 

T. 

In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and 
caused  the  seal  of  the  said  Lodge  to  be  affixed,  at 
the  day  of  A.  D.  18  ,  and  in 

the  year  of  Masonry,  58 


Attest, 


Master  of  Lodge  JYo. 
Secretary  of  Lodge  No. 


312 


FORMS. 


ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER 


No.  25. 

APPLICATION  FOR  ADVANCEMENT. 

To  the  M.  E.  High  Priest,  Officers  and  Brethren  of  [  Washing 

ton  Chapter,  No.  12.] 

The  undersigned,  who  has  been  raised  to  the  sublime  degree 
of  Master  Mason,  in  [  Chester  Lodge,  No.  168,]  respectfully  prays 
that  he  may  receive  further  light  in  Masonry,  by  being  advanced 
to  the  honourable  degree  of  a  Mark  Master. 

Signed,  [J.  R.  Morris.] 

Age> 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by 


No.  26. 

APPLICANT  FOR  SIXTH  DEGREE. 

To  the  R.  W.  High  Priest,  Officers  and  Brethren  of  [  Washing¬ 
ton  Chapter ,  No.  12.] 

The  undersigned,  who  has  been  advanced  to  the  honourable  de¬ 
gree  of  Mark  Master,  in  [ Livingston  Chapter,  No.  16,]  respect- 


FORMS- 


313 


fully  prays  that  he  may  receive  further  light  in  Masonry,  by 
being  accepted  and  acknowledged  as  a  Most  Excellent  Mas¬ 
ter.  Signed,  [J.  R.  Morris.] 

Age, 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by 


No.  27. 

APPLICANT  FOR  EXALTATION. 

To  the  M.  E.  High  Priest,  Officers  and  Brethren  of  [  Washing¬ 
ton  Chapter ,  No.  12.] 

The  undersigned,  who  has  been  received  and  acknowledged 
Most  Excellent  Master,  in  [Milnor  Chapter,  No.  18,]  re¬ 
spectfully  prays  that  he  may  receive  further  light  in  Masonry, 
by  being  exalted  to  the  Supreme  Degree  of  Royal  Arch  Ma¬ 
sonry.  Signed,  [J.  R.  Morris.] 

Age, 

Residence, 

Occupation, 

Recommended  by 


The  preceding  forms  may  be  adapted  to  all  succeeding  Degrees, 
by  the  substitution  of  the  proper  titles,  which  will  be  found  in  the 
portions  of  this  work  which  treat  of  those  degrees. 

27 


314 


FORMS. 


t 


No.  28. 

GRAND  COMMISSION  TO  A  M.  E.  HIGH  PRIEST  TO  PRE¬ 
SIDE  OYER  HIS  CHAPTER,  AND  SIT  IN  COUNCIL. 

To  our  worthy  companions  of  [ Lagrange  Chapter ,  No.  14,] 
and  all  others  to  whom  these  presents  may  come, 

Greeting : 

We,  [David  C.  Skerrett,]  Grand  High  Priest  of  the 
Grand  Chapter  of  Pennsylvania,  by  virtue  of  our  high  office, 
do  hereby  grant,  confirm,  and  commit  to  our  worthy  and  excel¬ 
lent  companion,  [Robert  Frazer,]  (who  has  been  duly  nomi¬ 
nated  to  us  by  the  suffrages  of  [ Lagrange  Chapter ,  No.  14,] 
and  regularly  set  apart  by  our  conferring  on  him  the  knowledge 
and  virtue  pertaining  to  our  honourable  degree,)  all  the  peculiar 
rights,  privileges,  and  authority  belonging  to  the  office  of  High 
Priest.  And  he  is  hereby  commissioned  to  convene  his  chapter, 
preside  in  and  over  his  council,  confer  degrees,  and  do  all  other 
things  accorded  to  his  office  by  our  ancient  usages :  Provided, 
nevertheless,  That  he  shall  always  confine  his  jurisdiction  within 
the  recognized  limits  of  his  chapter,  and  exercise  it  under  and 
subject  to  our  own  prerogative. 

And  we  hereby  enjoin  upon  all  our  worthy  companions,  that 
they  shall  accord  to  this  our  Most  Excellent  High  Priest  the 
honour  and  consideration  which  is  due  to  his  exalted  station. 
Signed  and  sealed  this  [10th  day  of  June,  R.  A.  P.  2815,  A.  L 
5851,  at  Philadelphia.] 

[D.  C.  Skerrett,] 

Grand  High  Priest  of  Pennsylvania 

By  the  Grand  High  Priest, 

[William  H.  Adams,] 
Grand  Secretary. 


FORMS. 


315 


No.  29. 

ORDER  FOR  THE  ASSEMBLING  OF  AN  ENCAMPMENT  OF 
KNIGHTS  OF  THE  TEMPLE. 

To  the  Most  Eminent  and  Magnanimous  Knights  of  the  Temple, 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  [Massillon  Encampment ,] 
Greeting : 

The  Grand  Commander  hereby  requires  your  attendance  at 
the  Asylum,  this  afternoon  at  [three]  o’clock. 

Signed,  [Anson  Clark,] 

Grand  Commander. 


[Massilon,  0. 

June  10/A,  A.  T.  C.  2851.] 


■i 


QUESTIONS 

ADDRESSED  TO  THE  CANDIDATE,  BEFORE  INITIATION,  IN 
PRESENCE  OF  THREE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  LODGE. 

I.  Do  you  declare,  upon  your  honour,  before  these 
Witnesses,  that,  unbiassed  by  friends,  and  uninfluenced 
by  mercenary  motives,  you  freely  and  voluntarily  offer 
yourself  as  a  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry  ? 

II.  Are  you  prompted  to  solicit  the  privileges  of  Ma¬ 
sonry,  by  a  favourable  opinion  of  this  Institution,  and  a 
desire  of  knowledge,  together  with  a  sincere  wish  to 
increase  your  usefulness  among  your  fellow  men  ? 

III.  Will  you  cheerfully  conform  to  all  the  ancient 
established  usages  and  customs  of  the  Fraternity  ? 


(316) 


P  A  11  T  Y. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 

‘‘THESE  ARE  ANCIENT  THINGS.” — 1  Cliron.  iv.  22. 


Note. — [These  constitutions  were  first  published  without  authority,  a  few  years 
since.  We  give  them  as  a  very  good  digest  of  rules,  which  have  obtained,  (very  much 
as  they  are  here  stated)  among  the  craft,  from  time  out  of  mind.  Their  modernization 
by  the  first  compiler  has  not  affected  their  validity. 

CHAPTER  I. 

% 

OF  THOSE  WHO  WOULD  BE  FREE  AND  ACCEPTED  MASONS. 

Before  we  enter  upon  the  duties  of  the  operative 
Mason,  in  the  various  offices  to  which  he  may  be  called 
in  the  Lodge,  it  is  proper  to  give  some  account  of  what 
is  absolutely  requisite  in  all  who  aspire  to  partake  of  the 
sublime  honours  of  those  who  are  duly  initiated  into  the 
mysteries,  and  instructed  in  the  art,  of  ancient  Masonry. 


Section  First. 

OF  GOD  AND  RELIGION. 

Whoever,  from  love  of  knowledge,  interest,  or  curi¬ 
osity,  desires  to  be  a  Mason,  is  to  know  that,  as  his 
foundation  and  great  corner-stone,  he  is  firmly  to  believe 
27  *  317 


318 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


in  the  eternal  God,  and  to  pay  that  worship  which  is  due 
to  him  as  the  great  Architect  and  Governor  of  the 
Universe. 

A  Mason  must  observe  the  moral  law.  And  if  he 
rightly  understand  the  royal  art,  he  will  never  he  an 
atheist,  or  an  irreligious  libertine  ;  and  will  never  act 
against  the  great  inward  light  of  his  own  conscience. 

He  will  likewise  shun  the  errors  of  bigotry  and  super¬ 
stition,  making  a  due  use  of  his  own  reason,  according 
to  that  liberty  wherewith  a  Mason  is  made  free ;  for 
though  in  ancient  times,  Masons  were  charged  to  comply 
with  the  religious  opinions  and  usages  of  the  country  or 
nation  where  they  sojourned  or  worked,  yet  it  is  now 
thought  most  expedient  that  the  brethren  in  general 
should  only  be  charged  to  adhere  to  the  essentials  of  reli 
gion,  in  which  all  men  agree,  leaving  each  brother  to  his 
own  judgment  as  to  particular  forms.  Whence,  being 
good  men  and  true,  of  unsullied  honour  and  unfailing 
honesty,  the  Order  becomes  the  centre  of  union,  and  the 
means  of  conciliating  true  friendship. 


Section  Second. 

OF  GOVERNMENT  AND  THE  CIVIL  MAGISTRATE. 

Whoever  would  be  a  true  Mason  is  farther  to  know, 
that,  by  the  privileges  of  his  Order,  his  obligations  as  a 
subject  and  citizen  will  not  be  relaxed,  but  enforced. 
He  is  to  be  a  lover  of  peace,  and  obedient  to  the  civil 
powers  which  yield  him  protection,  and  are  set  over  him, 
where  he  resides  or  works.  Nor  can  a  real  craftsman 
ever  be  concerned  in  conspiracies  against  the  State,  or  be 
disrespectful  to  the  magistrate,  because  the  welfare  of 
his  country  is  his  most  happy  object. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


310 


Now,  if  any  brother,  forgetting  for  a  time  the  rules  of 
his  craft,  and  listening  to  evil  counsels,  should  unhappily 
fall  into  a  contrary  conduct,  he  is  not  to  be  countenanced 
in  his  crimes  or  rebellion  against  the  State  ;  but  he  for¬ 
feits  all  the  benefits  of  the  Lodge,  and  his  fellows  will 
refuse  to  associate  or  converse  with  him  in  private,  while 
he  continues  in  his  guilt,  that  no  offence  may  be  given  to 
lawful  government.  Such  a  person,  however,  is  still 
considered  as  a  Mason,  his  title  hereto  being  indefeasible ; 
and  hopes  are  to  be  entertained,  and  endeavours  used, 
that  the  rules  of  the  craft  may  again  recover  him  to  hi? 
duty. 

From  the  constant  desire  of  true  Masons  to  adorn  the 
countries  where  they  reside  with  all  useful  arts,  crafts 
and  improvements,  they  have  been,  from  the  earliest 
ages,  encouraged  and  protected  by  the  wisest  rulers  of 
States  and  Commonwealths,  who  have  likewise  thought 
it  an  honour  to  have  their  names  enrolled  among  the 
fraternity,  and  have  become  the  patrons  of  the  craft. 
And  thus  Masonry,  having  always  flourished  most  in  the 
peaceable  times  of  every  country,  and  having  suffered  in 
a  particular  manner  through  the  calamitous  effects  of 
war,  the  craftsmen  are  the  more  strongly  engaged  and 
inclined  to  act  agreeably  to  the  prime  principles  of  their 
art,  in  following  peace  and  love,  as  far  as  possible,  with 
all  men. 

And  as  political  affairs  have  occasioned  discord  amongst 
th^  nearest  relations  and  most  intimate  friends,  Masons 
are  enjoined  never  to  speak  of,  or  discuss  them  in  the 
Lodge. 


320 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


Section  Third. 

OF  PRIVATE  DUTIES. 

Whoever  would  be  a  Mason  should  know  how  to  prac¬ 
tice  all  the  private  virtues.  He  should  avoid  all  manner 
of  intemperance  or  excess,  which  might  prevent  his  per¬ 
formance  of  the  laudable  duties  of  his  craft,  or  lead  him 
into  enormities,  which  would  reflect  dishonour  upon  the 
ancient  fraternity.  He  is  to  be  industrious  in  his  profes¬ 
sion,  and  true  to  the  Lord  and  Master  he  serves.  He  is 
to  labour  justly,  and  not  to  eat  any  man’s  bread  for 
nought,  but  to  pay  truly  for  his  meat  and  drink.  What 
leisure  his  labour  allows,  he  is  to  employ  in  studying  the 
arts  and  sciences  with  a  diligent  mind,  that  he  may  the 
better  perform  all  his  duties  to  his  Creator,  his  country, 
his  neighbour,  and  himself. 

He  is  to  seek  and  acquire,  as  far  as  possible,  the  vir¬ 
tues  of  patience,  meekness,  self-denial,  forbearance,  and 
the  like  ;  which  give  him  the  command  over  himself,  and 
enable  him  to  govern  his  own  family  with  affection,  dig¬ 
nity,  and  prudence ;  at  the  same  time  checking  every 
disposition  injurious  to  the  world,  and  promoting  that 
love  and  service  which  brethren  of  the  same  household 
owe  to  each  other. 

Therefore,  to  afford  succour  to  the  distressed,  to  divide 
our  bread  with  the  industrious  poor,  and  to  put  the  mis¬ 
guided  traveller  into  the  way,  are  duties  of  the  craft, 
suitable  to  the  dignity,  and  expressive  of  its  usefulness. 
But,  though  a  Mason  is  never  to  shut  his  ear  unkindly 
against  the  complaints  of  any  of  the  human  race,  yet, 
when  a  brother  is  oppressed  or  suffers,  he  is  in  a  more 
peculiar  manner  called  to  open  his  whole  soul  in  love  and 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


321 


compassion  to  him,  and  to  relieve  him  without  prejudice, 
according  to  his  capacity. 

It  is  also  necessary,  that  all  who  would  be  true  Masons 
should  learn  to  abstain  from  all  malice,  slander  and  evil¬ 
speaking  ;  from  all  provoking,  reproachful  and  ungodly 
language,  keeping  always  a  tongue  of  good  report. 

A  Mason  should  know  how  to  obey  those  who  are  set 
over  him,  however  inferior  they  may  be  in  worldly  rank 
or  condition.  For  although  Masonry  divests  no  man  of 
his  honours  and  titles,  yet  in  the  Lodge,  pre-eminence  of 
virtue,  and  knowledge  in  the  royal  art,  are  considered  as 
the  true  source  of  all  nobility,  rule  and  government. 

The  virtue  indispensably  requisite  in  Masons  is  secrecy. 
This  is  the  guard  of  their  confidence,  and  the  security  of 
their  trust.  So  great  stress  is  to  be  laid  upon  it,  that  it 
is  enforced  under  the  strongest  penalties  and  obligations ; 
nor  is  their  esteem  in  any  man  to  be  accounted  wise,  who 
has  not  intellectual  strength  and  ability  sufficient  to  cover 
and  conceal  such  honest  secrets  as  are  committed  to  him, 
as  well  as  his  own  more  serious  and  private  affairs. 

Section  Fourth. 

OF  PREREQUISITES. 

No  person  is  capable  of  becoming  a  member  unless, 
together  with  the  virtues  aforementioned,  or  at  least  a 
disposition  to  seek  and  acquire  them,  he  is  also  free-born ; 
of  mature  and  discreet  age  ;  of  good  report ;  of  sufficient 
natural  endowments,  and  the  senses  of  a  man ;  with  an 
estate,  office,  trade,  occupation,  or  some  visible  way  of 
acquiring  an  honest  livelihood,  and  of  working  in  his 
Craft,  as  becomes  the  members  of  this  most  ancient  and 
honourable  fraternity,  who  ought  not  only  to  earn  what 


322 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


is  sufficient  for  themselves  and  families,  but  likewise 
something  to  spare  for  works  of  charity,  and  supporting 
the  true  dignity  of  the  Royal  Craft.  Every  person 
desiring  admission  must  also  be  upright  in  body,  not 
deformed  or  dismembered,  at  the  time  of  making,  but  of 
hale  and  entire  limbs,  as  a  man  ought  to  be. 

No  brother  shall  propose  for  admission  into  this  ancient 
and  honourable  society  any  person,  through  friendship  or 
partiality,  who  does  not  possess  the  moral  and  social 
virtues,  a  sound  head  and  a  good  heart ;  and  who  has 
not  an  entire  exemption  from  all  those  ill  qualities  and 
vices  which  would  bring  dishonour  on  the  Craft. 

Section  Fifth. 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  THE  CANDIDATE. 

A  strict,  though  private  and  impartial,  inquiry  will  be 
made  into  the  character  and  ability  of  the  candidate, 
before  he  can  be  admitted  into  any  Lodge ;  and  by  the 
rules  of  Masonry,  no  friend,  who  can  wish  to  propose 
him,  may  show  him  any  favour.  But  if  he  have  a  friend 
who  is  a  Mason,  and  is  every  way  satisfied,  his  duty  is 
described  as  follows : 

Section  Sixth. 

OF  PROPOSING  CANDIDATES. 

Every  person  desirous  of  being  made  a  Freemason  in 
any  Lodge,  shall  be  proposed  by  a  member,  who  shall 
give  an  account  of  the  candidate’s  name,  age,  quality, 
title,  trade,  place  of  residence,  description  of  his  person, 
and  other  necessary  requisites,  as  mentioned  in  the  fore¬ 
going  sections.  And  it  is  generally  required,  that  such 
proposal  be  also  seconded  by  soffie  one  or  more  members 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


323 


who  are  acquainted  with  the  candidate.  Such  proposals 
shall  also  be  made  in  Lodge  hours,  at  least  one  Lodge 
night  before  initiation,  in  order  that  the  brethren  may 
have  sufficient  time  and  opportunity  to  make  a  strict 
inquiry  into  the  morals,  character,  and  circumstances  of 
the  candidate,  for  which  purpose  a  special  committee  is 
sometimes  appointed. 

The  brother  who  proposes  a  candidate  shall,  at  the 
same  time,  deposit  such  a  sum  of  money  for  him  as  the 
rules  or  By-  laws  of  the  Lodge  may  require,  which  is 
forfeited  to  the  Lodge  if  the  candidate  should  not  attend, 
according  to  his  proposal,  but  is  to  be  returned  to  him 
if  he  should  not  be  approved  or  elected.  In  case  he  be 
elected,  he  is  to  pay,  in  addition  to  his  deposit,  such 
further  sum  as  the  laws  of  the  Lodge  may  require ;  and 
clothe  the  Lodge,  or  make  some  other  present,  as  his 
circumstances  will  admit  and  the  brethren  agree  to  ac¬ 
cept,  for  the  benefit  of  the  Craft  and  distressed  members. 

Section  Seventh. 

THE  CANDIDATE. 

He  has  a  right,  before  his  admission,  to  desire  his 
lriend  to  show  him  the  Warrant,  or  Dispensation,  by 
which  the  Lodge  is  held  ;  which,  if  genuine,  he  will  find 
to  be  an  instrument  written  or  printed  upon  parchment, 
and  signed  by  some  Grand  Master,  his  Deputy,  the 
Grand  Wardens  and  Grand  Secretary,  sealed  with  the 
Grand  Lodge  seal,  constituting  particular  persons,  therein 
named,  as  Master  and  Wardens,  with  full  power  to  con¬ 
gregate  and  hold  a  Lodge  at  such  a  place,  and  therein 
“make  and  admit  Freemasons,  according  to  the  most 
ancient  and  honourable  custom  of  the  Royal  Craft,  in 


324 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


all  ages  and  nations  throughout  the  known  world,  with 
full  power  and  authority  to  nominate  and  choose  their 
successors,”  &c. 

He  may  also  request  the  perusal  of  the  By-laws,  which, 
being  short,  he  may  read  in  the  presence  of  his  friend, 
and  be  shown  a  list  of  the  members  of  the  Lodge ;  by 
all  which  he  will  be  better  able  to  judge  whether  he 
could  associate  with  them,  and  render  a  ready  conformity 
to  their  rules.  Being  thus  free  to  judge  for  himself,  he 
will  not  be  liable  to  the  dangers  of  deception.  But,  on 
the  contrary,  will  be  admitted  into  a  society  where  he 
may  converse  with  men  of  honour  and  honesty — be  exer¬ 
cised  in  all  the  offices  of  brotherly  love,  and  be  made 
acquainted  with  some  things  which  it  is  not  lawful  to 
speak  of  or  make  known  out  of  the  lodge. 

Previously  to  his  introduction,  every  candidate  ought 
to  subscribe  the  following  declaration: 

“I,  A.  B.,  do  seriously  declare,  upon  my  honour,  that 
unbiassed  by  friends,  and  uninfluenced  by  unworthy  mo¬ 
tives,  I  freely  and  voluntarily  offer  myself  a  candidate 
for  the  mysteries  of  Freemasonry;  that  I  am  solely 
prompted  by  a  favourable  opinion  conceived  of  the  insti¬ 
tution,  a  desire  of  knowledge,  and  a  sincere  wish  to  be 
serviceable  to  my  fellow  creatures  ;  and  that  I  will  cheer¬ 
fully  conform  to  the  ancient  established  usages  and  cus 
toms  of  the  society.  As  witness  my  hand,  this 
day  of  .  in  the  year  A.  D. 

D  ]?  |  Witnesses. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


325 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  A  LODGE  AND  ITS  GOVERNMENT. 

Section  First. 

OF  A  LODGE. 

A  Lodge  is  a  place  where  Masons  assemble  and 
work ;  hence  a  duly  organized  society  of  Masons  is 
called  a  Lodge,  and  every  brother  ought  to  belong 
to  one,  and  to  be  subject  to  its  By-laws  and  general 
regulations.  It  is  either  particular  or  general,  and  will 
be  best  understood  by  attending  it,  and  by  the  regula¬ 
tions  of  the  General  or  Grand  Lodge  hereunto  annexed. 
In  ancient  timts,  no  Master  or  Fellow  could  be  absent 
from  it,  especially  when  warned  to  appear  at  it,  without 
incurring  a  severe  censure,  until  it  appeared  to  the  Master 
and  Wardens  that  pure  necessity  hindered  him. 

Section  Second. 

OF  OFFICERS  AND  MEMBERS  IN  GENERAL. 

A  Lodge  ought  to  assemble  for  work  at  least  once  in 
every  calendar  month ;  and  must  consist  of  one  Master, 
two  Wardens,  senior  and  junior ;  one  Secretary,  one 
Treasurer,  two  Deacons,  one  or  more  Stewards,  a  Tyler, 
and  as  many  members  as  the  Master  and  the  majority  of 
the  Lodge  shall  think  proper ;  although  more  than  forty 
or  fifty,  when  they  can  attend  regularly,  as  the  whole¬ 
some  rules  of  the  Craft  require,  are  generally  found  in¬ 
convenient  for  working  to  advantage ;  and,  therefore, 
when  a  Lodge  comes  to  be  thus  numerous,  some  of  the 
ablest  Master  workmen,  and  others  under  their  direction, 
will  obtain  leave  to  separate  and  apply  to  the  Grand 
28 


32G 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


Lodge  for  a  Warrant  to  work  by  themselves,  in  order  to 
the  advancement  of  the  Craft,  as  the  laws  hereafter  to 
be  delivered  will  more  particularly  show. 

Every  member  of  a  working  Lodge  should  be  a  Master 
Mason. 

Section  Third. 

OF  THE  MASTER  I - HIS  ELECTION,  OFFICE, .  AND  DUTY. 

All  preferment  among  Masons  depends  on  real  worth 
and  personal  merit  only,  that  the  society  may  be  well 
served,  and  the  Royal  Craft  maintained. 

No  brother  should  be  a  Master  till  he  has  first  served 
a  Lodge  acceptably  in  the  office  of  Warden,  unless  in 
extraordinary  cases,  or  when  a  new  Lodge  is  to  be 
formed,  and  no  Past  or  former  Warden  is  to  be  found 
among  the  members.  But,  three  Master  Masons,  although 
they  have  served  in  no  such  offices,  if  they  be  well  learned, 
may  be  constituted  Master  and  Wardens  of  such  new 
Lodge,  or  of  any  old  Lodge  in  the  like  emergency  ;  and 
it  shall  be  their  duty  first  to  qualify  themselves  thoroughly 
for  their  work. 

The  Master  of  every  Lodge  shall  be  annually  chosen 
by  ballot,  on  some  stated  Lodge  night.  Each  member 
hath  one  vote.  And  when  the  ballot  is  closed,  the  former 
Master  shall  carefully  examine  the  votes,  and  audibly 
declare  him  who  hath  the  majority  to  be  dul)  elected. 
In  like  manner  shall  the  Lodge  proceed  in  the  choice  of 
all  the  other  officers ;  great  care  being  taken  that  none 
be  put  in  nomination  for  favour  or  affection,  birth  or  for¬ 
tune,  exclusively  of  the  consideration  of  real  merit,  and 
ability  to  fill  the  office  for  the  honour  and  advancement 
of  Masonry.  No  Mason  chosen  into  any  office  can  refuse 
to  serve,  unless  he  has  served  in  the  same  office  before. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


327 


The  Master  of  every  regular  Lodge,  thus  duly  elected 
and  installed,  has  it  in  special  charge,  as  appurtenant  to 
his  office,  duty,  and  dignity,  to  see  that  all  the  By-laws 
of  his  Lodge,  as  well  as  the  General  Regulations  from 
the  Grand  Lodge,  be  duly  observed ;  that  his  Wardens 
discharge  their  office  faithfully,  and  be  examples  of  dili¬ 
gence  and  sobriety  to  the  Craft ;  that  true  and  exact 
minutes  and  entries  of  all  proceedings  be  made  and  kept 
by  the  Secretary ;  that  the  Treasurer  keep  and  render 
exact  and  just  accounts  at  the  stated  times,  according  to 
the  By-laws  and  orders  of  the  Lodge ;  and,  in  general, 
that  all  the  goods  and  moneys  belonging  to  the  body  be 
truly  managed  and  dispensed,  according  to  the  vote  and 
direction  of  the  majority. 

The  Master  shall  also  take  care  that  no  Apprentice  or 
Fellow  Craft  be  taken  into  his  house  or  Lodge,  unless  he 
has  sufficient  employment  for  him,  and  finds  him  to  be 
duly  qualified,  according  to  the  rules  before  laid  down, 
for  learning  and  understanding  the  sublime  mysteries  of 
the  Art.  Thus  shall  Apprentices  be  admitted,  upon  fur¬ 
ther  improvement,  as  Fellow  Crafts;  and,  in  due  time, 
be  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  Master  Masons,  ani¬ 
mated  with  the  prospect  of  passing  in  future  through  all 
the  higher  honours  of  Masonry,  viz :  those  of  Wardens 
and  Masters  of  their  Lodges,  and  perhaps  at  length  of 
Grand  Wardens  and  Grand  Masters  of  all  the  Lodges, 
according  to  their  merit. 

The  Master  of  a  particular  Lodge  has  the  right  and 
authority  of  calling  his  Lodge,  or  congregating  the  mem¬ 
bers  into  a  Chapter,  at  pleasure,  upon  the  application  of 
any  of  the  brethren,  and  upon  any  emergency  and  occur¬ 
rence  which,  in  his  judgment,  may  require  their  meeting  ; 
and  he  is  to  fill  the  Chair  when  present.  It  is  likewise 


328 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


his  duty,  together  with  his  Wardens,  to  attend  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  the  quarterly  Communications,  and  such  occa¬ 
sional  or  special  Grand  Communications  as  the  good  of 
the  Craft  may  require,  when  duly  summoned  by  the 
Grand  Secretary,  and  within  such  reasonable  distance  of 
the  place  of  holding  the  Grand  Lodge  as  the  laws  of  the 
same  may  have  ascertained.  When  in  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  at  general  as  well  as  special  Communications,  the 
Master  and  Wardens,  or  either  of  them,  have  full  power 
and  authority  to  represent  their  Lodge,  and  to  transact 
all  matters  as  well  and  truly  as  if  the  whole  body  were 
there  present. 

The  Master  has  the  right  of  appointing  some  brother, 
who  is  most  commonly  the  Secretary  of  the  Lodge,  to 
keep  the  book  of  By-laws,  and  other  laws  given  to  the 
Lodge  by  proper  authority ;  and  in  this  book  shall  also 
be  kept  the  names  of  all  the  members  of  the  Lodge,  and 
a  list  of  all  the  Lodges  within  the  same  Grand  Commu¬ 
nication,  with  the  usual  times  and  places  of  their  meeting. 

Section  Fourth . 

OF  THE  WARDENS  OF  A  LODGE. 

1.  None  but  Master  Masons  can  be  Wardens  of  a 
Lodge. 

2.  The  Senior  Warden  succeeds  to  all  the  duties  of 
the  Master,  and  fills  the  Chair  when  he  is  absent.  If 
the  Master  goes  abroad  on  business,  resigns,  or  is  de¬ 
posed,  the  Senior  Warden  shall  fill  his  place  until  the 
next  stated  time  of  election.  And  although  it  was  for¬ 
merly  held,  that  in  such  cases  the  Master’s  authority 
ought  to  revert  to  the  last  Past  Master  who  is  present, 
yet  it  is  now  the  settled  rule,  that  the  authority  devolves 
upon  the  Senior  Warden,  and  in  his  absence  upon  the 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


329 


Junior  Warden,  even  although  a  former  Master  be  present. 
But  the  Wardens  will  generally  honour  a  Past  Master 
that  may  be  present,  and  will  call  on  him  to  take  the 
Chair,  upon  the  presumption  of  his  experience  and  skill 
in  conducting  the  business  of  the  Lodge. 

Nevertheless,  such  Past  Master  still  holds  his  authority 
under  the  Senior  Warden,  and  cannot  act  until  he  con¬ 
gregates  the  Lodge.  If  none  of  the  officers  be  present, 
nor  any  former  Master  to  take  the  Chair,  the  members, 
according  to  seniority  and  merit,  shall  fill  the  places  of 
the  absent  officers. 

The  business  of  the  Wardens  in  the  Lodge  is  generally 
to  assist  the  Master  in  conducting  the  business  and 
managing  the  Craft,  in  due  order  and  form,  when  the 
Master  is  present.  Particular  Lodges  do  likewise,  by 
their  By-laws,  assign  particular  duties  to  their  Wardens 
for  their  own  better  government ;  which  such  Lodges 
have  a  right  to  do,  provided  they  transgress  not  the  old 
landmarks,  nor  in  any  degree  violate  the  true  genius  and 
spirit  of  Masonry. 

Section  Fifth. 

OF  THE  SECRETARY  OF  A  LODGE. 

The  Secretary  shall  keep  a  proper  register  or  record 
of  all  transactions  and  proceedings  of  the  Lodge,  that 
are  to  be  committed  to  writing  ;  which  shall  be  faithfully 
entered  in  the  Lodge  books,  from  the  minutes  taken  in 
open  Lodge,  after  being  duly  read,  amended  if  necessary, 
and  approved  of  before  the  close  of  every  meeting,  in 
order  that  the  said  transactions,  or  authentic  copies,  may 
be  laid  before  the  Grand  Lodge  once  in  every  quarter  if 
required. 

28  * 


330 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


In  particular,  the  Secretary  shall  keep  exact  lists  ol  all 
the  members  of  the  Lodge,  with  the  admission  of  new 
members ;  and  shall  prepare  and  send  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  the  list  of  members,  together  with 
all  expulsions  and  rejections  for  the  time  being,  to  the 
intent  that  the  Grand  Secretary,  and  consequently  the 
members  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  may  be  at  all  times 
enabled  to  know  the  names  and  number  of  members  in 
each  Lodge  under  their  jurisdiction,  with  the  hand¬ 
writing  of  the  different  officers,  and  pay  all  due  respect 
to  the  brethren  recommended  by  them. 


Section  Sixth. 

OE  TIIE  TREASURER  OF  A  LODGE. 

The  Treasurer  is  to  receive,  and  keep  exact  accounts 
of  all  moneys  raised,  or  paid  according  to  rule,  for  the 
advancement  of  the  Lodge  and  benefit  of  the  brethren, 
and  to  pay  all  orders  duly  drawn  upon  him  by  the  au¬ 
thority  of  the  Lodge.  He  is  to  keep  regular  entries  both 
of  his  receipts  and  expenses;  and  to  have  his  books  and 
vouchers  always  ready  for  examination  at  such  stated 
times  as  the  By-lawTs  require,  or  when  specially  called 
upon  by  order  of  the  Master  and  brethren. 

The  Treasurer  is  likewise  to  have  the  charge  and  cus¬ 
tody  of  the  chest,  jewels,  and  furniture  of  the  Lodge  ; 
unless  when  the  Master  and  majority  may  judge  it  more 
convenient  to  appoint  some  other  responsible  brother  foi 
that  particular  duty,  or  when  the  officers  of  the  Lodge 
may  take  the  charge  immediately  upon  themselves.  But 
the  warrant  or  charter  is  in  the  custody  of  the  Master. 

* 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


33 


Section  Seventh. 

OF  THE  DEACONS  OF  A  LODGE. 

The  Deacons  are  to  assist  the  Master  and  Wardens  in 
the  execution  of  their  duty ;  to  examine  and  welcome 
visiting  brethren,  to  prepare  candidates,  and  to  perform 
such  other  services  as  are  assigned  to  them. 

Section  Eighth. 

STEWARDS. 

The  Stewards  are  to  provide  refreshments,  and  make 
a  regular  report  of  the  expense  to  the  Treasurer ;  and  to 
see  that  the  regalia  of  the  Lodge  are  in  good  order  and 
always  ready  for  use. 

Section  Ninth. 

OF  THE  TYLER  OF  A  LODGE. 

In  order  that  due  decorum  be  observed,  while  the 
Lodge  is  engaged  in  what  is  serious  and  solemn,  and  for 
the  preservation  of  secrecy  and  good  harmony,  a  brother 
well  skilled  in  the  Master’s  part,  shall  be  appointed  and 
paid  for  tyling  the  Lodge  door,  during  the  time  of  com¬ 
munication.  Generally  a  brother  is  to  be  preferred,  to 
whom  the  fees  of  the  office  may  be  necessary  and  ser¬ 
viceable,  on  account  of  his  particular  circumstances. 

His  duty  is  fixed  by  custom,  and  known  to  every  bro¬ 
ther.  He  is  to  be  true  and  trusty,  and  to  obey  the  specia: 
directions  of  the  Lodge. 

Section  Tenth. 

OF  THE  NUMBER  TO  BE  INITIATED. 

No  Lodge  shall  make  more  than  five  new  brethren  at 
one  time,  nor  shall  any  person  be  made,  or  admitted  a 


332 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


member  of  a  Lodge,  without  being  proposed  at  least  one 
Lodge  night  before,  unless  in  cases  of  emergency,  or  by 
dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master  or  his  Deputy,  in  his 
absence,  that  due  notice  may  be  given  to  all  the  members 
for  the  necessary  inquiries  into  the  candidate’s  character, 
and  that  there  may  be  unanimity  in  the  election  and 
admission  of  members. 

Section  Eleventh. 

OF  PRIVILEGES  IN  LODGES. 

The  majority  of  every  particular  Lodge,  when  duly 
congregated,  have  the  privilege  of  instructing  their  Mas¬ 
ter  and  Wardens  for  their  conduct  in  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
Quarterly  Communications ;  and  all  particular  Lodges 
in  the  same  Communication,  shall,  as  much  as  possible, 
observe  the  same  rules  and  usages,  and  appoint  some  of 
their  members  to  visit  each  other  in  the  different  Lodges, 
as  often  as  it  may  be  convenient. 

When  it  so  happens  that  a  Lodge  cannot  attend  the 
Communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  they  may  appoint 
a  brother,  who  is  a  Master  Mason,  and  of  real  merit,  and 
give  him  instructions  to  represent  them,  and  vote- in  their 
behalf.  He,  bearing  their  certificate  under  the  seal  of 
the  Lodge,  and  signed  by  the  Master  and  Wardens,  may, 
if  approved  by  the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  take  his 
seat  among  them,  and  vote  and  act  in  the  name  of  the 
Lodge  he  represents.  But  no  individual  can  appear  for 
more  than  one  Lodge  at  the  same  time. 

Lodges  shall  have  place  according  to  the  date  of  their 
Constitution. 

If  any  Lodge  shall  cease  to  meet  regularly  for  twelve 
months  successively,  its  charter  shall  be  void. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


333 


CHAPTER  III. 

OF  THE  BEHAVIOUR  OF  MASONS  AS  MEMBERS  OF 

A  LODGE. 

■1.  OF  ATTENDANCE. 

Every  brother  ought  to  belong  to  some  regular  Lodge, 
and  should  always  appear  therein  properly  clothed,  truly 
subjecting  himself  to  all  its  By-laws  and  the  general 
regulations.  He  must  attend  all  meetings,  when  duly 
summoned,  unless  he  can  offer  to  the  Master  and  War¬ 
dens  such  plea  of  necessity  for  his  absence  as  the  said 
laws  and  regulations  may  admit. 

By  the  ancient  rules  and  usages  of  Masonry,  which 
are  generally  adopted  among  the  By-laws  of  every  Lodge, 
no  plea  was  judged  sufficient  to  excuse  any  absentee, 
unless  he  could  satisfy  the  Lodge  that  he  was  detained 
by  some  extraordinary  and  unforeseen  necessity. 

None  have  a  right  to  vote  in  the  Lodge  but  such  as 
are  members. 

No  brother  shall  be  a  member  of  more  than  one  Lodge 
at  the  same  time. 

2.  OF  working. 

All  Masons  should  work  faithfully  and  honestly.  All 
the  working  hours  appointed  by  law,  or  confirmed  by 
custom,  are  to  be  strictly  observed.  The  usual  hours  of 
working  are — “from  seven  o’clock  in  the  evening  until 
ten,  between  the  25th  of  March  and  the  25th  of  Sep¬ 
tember  ;  and  from  six  until  nine,  between  the  25th  of 
September  and  the  25th  of  March.” 

The  Mastei  and  Masons  shall  faithfully  finish  their 
work. 


334  ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 

None  shall  envy  a  brother’s  prosperity,  or  put  him  out 
of  his  work,  if  capable  of  finishing  it. 

All  Masons  shall  receive  their  wages  without  mur¬ 
muring.  They  must  avoid  all  unbecoming  modes  of 
expression,  and  shall  call  each  other  brother  in  the  Lodge. 

3.  OF  BEHAVIOUR  IN  THE  LODGE. 

While  the  Lodge  is  open  for  work,  Masons  must  hold 
no  private  conversation  or  committees,  without  leave 
from  the  Master  ;  nor  talk  of  anything  foreign  or  imper¬ 
tinent,  nor  interrupt  the  Master  or  Wardens,  or  any 
brother  addressing  himself  to  the  Chair ;  nor  behave  in¬ 
attentively  while  the  Lodge  is  engaged  in  what  is  serious 
and  solemn ;  but  every  brother  shall  pay  due  reverence 
to  the  Master  and  Wardens,  and  all  his  fellows. 

Every  brother  guilty  of  a  fault  shall  submit  to  the 
Lodge,  unless  he  appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 

No  private  offences,  or  disputes  about  nations,  families, 
religion  or  politics,  must  be  brought  within  the  doors  of 
the  Lodge. 

4.  OF  BEHAVIOUR  AFTER  THE  LODGE  IS  CLOSED. 

When  the  Lodge  is  closed,  and  the  labour  finished,  the 
brethren,  before  they  depart  home  to  their  rest,  may  enjoy 
themselves  with  innocent  mirth,  enlivened  and  exalted 
with  their  own  peculiar  songs  and  sublime  pieces  of  music ; 
but  avoiding  all  excess,  considering  each  other,  in  the 
hours  both  of  labour  and  festivity,  as  always  free.  And, 
therefore,  no  brother  is  to  be  hindered  from  going  home 
when  he  pleases;  for  although,  after  Lodge  hours,  Masons 
are  as  other  men,  yet  if  they  should  fall  into  excess,  the 
blame,  though  unjustly,  may  be  cast  upon  the  fraternity, 
by  the  ignorant  or  the  envious. 


ANCIENT-  CONSTITUTIONS. 


335 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  THE  BEHAVIOUR  OF  MASONS  IN  THEIR  PRIVATE 

CHARACTER. 

1.  WHEN  A  NUMBER  OF  BRETHREN  HAPPEN  TO  MEET  WITH¬ 
OUT  ANY  STRANGER  AMONG  THEM,  AND  NOT  IN  A  LODGE. 

In  such  case  you  are  to  salute  each  other  in  a  cour¬ 
teous  manner,  as  you  are  or  may  be  instructed  in  the 
Lodge,  and  freely  communicate  hints  of  knowledge,  but 
without  disclosing  secrets,  unless  to  those  who  have  given 
proof  of  their  taciturnity  and  honour.  Masonry  divests 
no  man  of  the  honours  due  to  him  before,  or  that  may 
become  due  after  he  was  made  a  Mason.  On  the  con¬ 
trary,  it  increases  respect,  teaching  us  to  add  to  all  his 
other  honours,  those  which  as  Masons  we  cheerfully  pay 
to  an  eminent  brother,  distinguishing  him  above  all  of 
his  rank  and  station,  and  serving  him  readily  according 
to  our  ability. 

2.  WHEN  IN  THE  PRESENCE  OF  STRANGERS  WHO  ARE  NOT 

MASONS. 

Before  those  who  are  not  Masons  you  must  be  cautious 
in  your  words  and  carriage,  so  that  the  most  penetrating 
stranger  shall  not  be  able  to  discover  what  is  not  proper 
to  be  intimated.  The  impertinent  and  ensnaring  ques¬ 
tions,  or  ignorant  and  idle  discourse,  of  those  who  seek 
to  pry  into  the  secrets  and  mysteries  of  the  Craft,  must 
be  prudently  answered  and  managed,  or  the  discourse 
wisely  diverted  to  another  subject,  as  your  discretion  and 
duty  shall  direct. 


33G 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


3.  WHEN  AT  HOME  AND  IN  YOUR  NEIGHBOURHOOD. 

Masons  ought  to  be  moral  men.  Consequently  the^ 
should  be  good  husbands,  good  parents,  good  sons,  and 
good  neighbours ;  avoiding  all  excess  injurious  to  them¬ 
selves  or  families,  and  wise  as  to  all  affairs,  both  of  their 
own  household  and  of  the  Lodge,  for  certain  reasons 
known  to  themselves. 

4.  OF  BEHAVIOUR  TOWARDS  A  FOREIGN  BROTHER  OR 

STRANGER. 

You  are  cautiously  to  examine  a  stranger  or  foreign 
brother,  as  prudence  and  the  rules  of  the  Craft  direct, 
that  you  may  not  be  imposed  upon  by  a  pretender ;  and 
if  you  discover  any  one  to  be  such,  you  are  to  reject  him, 
but  with  proper  caution.  But  such  as  are  found  to  be 
true  and  faithful,  you  are  to  respect  as  brothers,  relieving 
them,  if  in  want,  to  your  utmost  power,  or  directing 
them  how  to  find  relief;  and  employing  them,  if  you 
can,  or  else  recommending  them  to  employment. 

5.  OF  BEHAVIOUR  TOWARDS  A  BROTHER,  WHETHER  PRESENT 

OR  ABSENT. 

Free  and  accepted  Masons  have  ever  been  charged  to 
avoid  all  slander  of  true  and  faithful  brethren,  with  all 
malice  and  unjust  resentment,  or  talking  disrespectfully 
of  a  brother’s  person  or  performance.  Nor  must  they 
suffer  any  to  spread  unjust  reproaches  or  calumnies 
against  a  brother  behind  his  back,  nor  to  injure  nim  in 
his  fortune,  occupation,  or  character  ;  hut  they  shall 
defend  such  a  brother,  and  give  him  notice  of  any  danger 
or  injury  wherewith  he  may  be  threatened,  to  enable  him 
to  escape  the  same,  as  far  as  is  consistent  with  honour, 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


337 


prudence,  and  the  safety  of  religion,  morality,  and  the 
State,  but  no  further. 

6.  CONCERNING  DIFFERENCES  AND  LAWSUITS,  IF  ANY  SUCII 
SHOULD  UNHAPPILY  ARISE  AMONG  BRETHREN. 

If  a  brother  do  you  injury,  or  if  you  have  any  differ¬ 
ence  with  him  about  any  worldly  or  temporal  business, 
or  interest,  apply  first  to  your  own  or  his  Lodge,  to  have 
the  matter  in  dispute  adjusted  by  the  brethren.  And  if 
either  party  be  not  satisfied  with  the  determination  of 
the  Lodge,  an  appeal  may  be  made  to  the  Grand  Lodge ; 
and  you  are  never  to  enter  into  a  lawsuit  until  the  matter 
cannot  be  decided  as  above.  And  if  it  be  a  matter  that 
wholly  concerns  Masonry,  lawsuits  are  to  be  entirely 
avoided,  and  the  good  advice  of  prudent  brethren  is 
to  be  followed,  as  they  are  the  best  referees  of  such 
differences. 

But  where  references  are  either  impracticable  or  unsuc¬ 
cessful,  and  courts  of  law  or  equity  must  at  last  decide, 
you  must  still  follow  the  general  rules  of  Masonry, 
avoiding  all  wrath,  malice,  rancor,  and  personal  ill  will, 
in  carrying  on  the  suit  with  a  brother ;  neither  saying  or 
doing  anything  to  prevent  the  continuance  or  renewal  of 
that  brotherly  love  and  friendship,  which  are  the  glory 
and  cement  of  this  ancient  fraternity.  Thus  shall  we 
show  to  all  the  world  the  benign  influence  of  Masonry, 
as  wise,  true  and  faithful  brethren  have  done  from  the 
beginning  of  time  ;  and  as  all  who  shall  follow  us,  and 
would  be  thought  worthy  of  that  name,  will  continue 
to  do. 

(£7=*  These  charges,  and  such  others  as  shall  be  given 
to  you,  in  a  way  that  cannot  be  written,  you  are  strictly 
and  conscientiously  to  observe ;  and,  that  they  may  be 
29 


338 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


the  better 'observed,  they  should  be  read  or  made  known 
to  young  brethren  at  their  making ;  and  at  other  times,  as 
the  Master  shall  direct.  Amen! 


CHAPTER  V. 

Section  First , 

OF  GRAND  LODGES  IN  GENERAL. 

A  Grand  Lodge  consists  of  the  Masters  and  Wardens 
of  all  the  regular  Lodges  within  its  jurisdiction,  with  the 
Grand  Master  at  their  head,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master 
on  his  left,  and  the  Grand  Wardens  in  their  proper  places ; 
attended  also  by  the  Grand  Secretary,  Grand  Treasurer, 
Grand  Marshal,  Grand  Sword  Bearer,  Grand  Tyler, 
Grand  Pursuivant,  and  other  necessary  officers,  as  will 
be  explained  in  the  proper  place ;  all  of  whom  must  be 
Master  Masons. 

No  new  Lodge  is  acknowledged,  nor  can  their  officers 
be  admitted  into  the  Grand  Lodge,  until  such  new  Lodge 
is  first  regularly  constituted,  and  registered  by  the  autho¬ 
rity  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

All  Past  Grand  Masters,  Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters, 
and  Past  Grand  Wardens,  are  considered  as  members  of, 
and  admitted  to  vote  in,  all  Grand  Lodges.  By  courtesy, 
as  well  as  custom,  Past  Masters,  Past  Grand  Secretaries, 
and  Past  Grand  Treasurers,  have  the  privilege  of  sitting 
in  all  the  Grand  Lodges,  and  voting  in  such  matters  as, 
by  the  rules  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  they  might  or  could 
have  voted  in  while  in  office. 

No  Master,  Warden,  or  other  member  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  should  ever  attend  the  same,  without  the  jewels 
which  he  ought  to  wear  in  his  own  particular  Lodge, 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


339 


except  for  some  good  and  sufficient  reason  to  be  allowed 
of  by  the  Grand  Lodge.  And  when  the  officer  of  any 
particular  Lodge,  from  such  urgent  business  or  necessity, 
as  may  regularly  plead  his  excuse,  cannot  personally 
attend  the  Grand  Lodge,  he  may  nominate  and  send  a 
brother  of  his  Lodge,  with  his  jewel  and  clothing,  to 
supply  his  room,  and  support  the  honour  of  his  Lodge  in 
the  Grand  Lodge.  • 

A  brother  of  eminence,  and  of  the  rank  of  Master, 
having  business,  or  whose  attendance  is  necessary  in  any 
point  of  evidence  or  intelligence,  may  be  admitted  into 
the  Grand  Lodge  upon  motion,  or  leave  asked  and  given; 
but  such  brother,  thus  admitted,  shall  have  no  vote,  nor 
be  allowed  to  speak  to  any  question  without  leave,  or 
unless  desired  to  give  his  opinion. 

The  Grand  Lodge  shall  meet  four  times  a  year  statedly, 
for  Quarterly  Communications,  and  may  also  have  oc¬ 
casional  meetings  and  adjournments,  monthly  or  other¬ 
wise,  as  business  requires ;  and  such  meetings  shall  be 
held  in  the  hall  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  unless  for  some 
particular  reason  the  Grand  Master  should  think  fit  to 
appoint  some  other  place  of  special  meeting. 

All  matters  in  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  be  determined 
by  a  majority  of  votes,  each  member  having  one  vote, 
unless  the  Grand  Lodge  leave  any  particular  thing  to  the 
determination  of  the  Grand  Master. 

The  business  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  whether  at  Quar¬ 
terly  Communications  or  other  meetings,  is  seriously  to 
communicate  and  consider,  transact  and  settle,  all  matters 
that  concern  the  prosperity  of  the  Craft  and  the  Frater¬ 
nity  in  general,  or  private  Lodges  and  brethren  in  par¬ 
ticular.  Thus  all  differences  that  cannot  be  accommo¬ 
dated  privately,  nor  by  a  particular  Lodge,  are  to  be 


340 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


seriously  considered  and  decided.  And  if  any  brother 
thinks  himself  aggrieved  by  such  decision,  he  may,  by 
lodging  an  appeal  in  writing  with  the  Grand  Secretary, 
have  the  matter  reheard  and  finally  determined  upon  at 
the  next  ensuing  Quarterly  Communication,  provided  it 
be  not  the  annual  Grand  Lodge,  or  the  feast  days  of  St. 
John ;  on  which,  by  the  new  and  wise  regulations,  it  is 
agreed  apd  ordered  that  no  petitions  or  appeals  should  be 
heard,  nor  any  business  transacted,  that  tends  to  inter¬ 
rupt  the  harmony  of  the  assembly ;  but  all  shall  be 
referred  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  And, 
in  general,  whatever  business  cannot  be  transacted  or 
finished  at  any  one  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  may 
either  be  adjourned  to  the  next,  or  referred  to  a  proper 
committee,  to  be  by  them  heard,  considered,  and  reported 
upon  to  the  said  next  meeting. 

The  officers  of  all  private  Lodges,  under  the  jurisdic¬ 
tion  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  shall,  at  every  Quarterly  Com¬ 
munication,  (except  the  distant  Lodges,  which  shall 
annually  on  or  before  the  festival  of  St.  John  the  Evan¬ 
gelist,)  deliver  an  exact  list  of  such  members  as  have 
been  made,  or  even  admitted  by  them,  since  the  last 
.  preceding  Communication ;  and  books  shall  be  kept  in 
the  Grand  Lodge,  by  some  able  brother  to  be  appointed 
Grand  Secretary,  in  which  the  said  lists  and  returns  shall 
be  duly  recorded,  together  with  all  the  Lodges  in  Com¬ 
munication,  the  usual  times  and  places  of  their  assembly, 
and  the  names  of  all  their  members.  In  the  said  books  are 
also  to  be  registered  all  the  proceedings,  and  other  affairs 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  are  proper  to  be  written. 

The  Grand  Lodge  shall  likewise  consider  of  the  mos. 
prudent  and  effectual  means  of  collecting  and  managing 
what  money  may  accrue  to  the  general  charity  fund. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


341 


Section  Second. 

OF  THE  ELECTION  OF  THE  GRAND  MASTER. 

The  Grand  Lodge  must  meet  in  some  convenient  place 
in  order  to  elect  new,  or  re-appoint  the  old  officers ;  and 
such  election  or  re-appointment  shall  be  made  in  such 
season  that  the  Grand  Lodge  may  be  completely  or¬ 
ganized,  and  duly  prepared  for  the  celebration  of  the 
annual  feast  in  June,  and  other  important  business  of 
the  season. 

The  election  shall  be  made  either  by  holding  up  of 
hands,  or  by  ballot,  as  may  be  agreed  by  the  majority, 
on  motion  made  and  seconded  for  that  purpose ;  pro¬ 
vided  always  that  the  brother  recommended  by  the 
Grand  Master  in  office,  as  his  successor,  be  the  first  voted 
for,  either  by  holding  up  of  hands,  or  by  ballot ;  and  if 
he  is  not  chosen,  the  other  candidates  in  the  order  they 
were  proposed,  until  one  has  the  majority  of  voices  or 
ballots.  When  the  election  is  thus  made,  he  is  to  be 
proclaimed,  installed  and  saluted,  if  present ;  but  if  not 
present,  a  day  is  to  be  appointed  for  this  ceremony.  The 
ceremony  of  installing  the  new  Grand  Master  is  to  be 
conducted  by  the  last  Grand  Master ;  but  he  may,  never¬ 
theless,  order  any  brother  well  skilled  in  the  ceremony  to 
assist  him,  or  act  as  his  deputy  on  the  occasion. 

In  case  the  new  Grand  Master,  when  nominated  or 
chosen,  cannot  attend  at  the  time  appointed  for  his  instal¬ 
ment,  he  may  be  installed  by  proxy,  on  signifying  his 
acceptance  of  the  office ;  but  such  proxy  must  be  either 
the  last,  or  a  former  Grand  Master,  or  else  a  very 
reputable  Past  Master. 

29  * 


342 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


Section  Third. 

OF  THE  ELECTION  OR  APPOINTMENT  OF  THE  DEPUTY 

GRAND  MASTER. 

The  last  Grand  Master  thus  continued,  or  a  new 
Grand  Master  thus  appointed  and  installed,  hath  an  in¬ 
herent  right  to  nominate  and  appoint  the  Deputy  Grand 
Master ;  because,  as  the  Grand  Master  cannot  be  sup¬ 
posed  to  be  able  to  give  his  attendance  on  every  emer¬ 
gency,  it  hath  been  always  judged  necessary,  not  only  to 
allow  him  a  Deputy,  but  that  such  Deputy  should  be  a 
person  in  whom  he  can  perfectly  confide,  and  with  whom 
he  can  have  full  harmony. 

Section  Fourth. 

OF  THE  GRAND  WARDENS. 

The  Grand  Lodge  has  the  right  of  electing  the  Grand 
Wardens  ;  and  any  member  has  a  right  to  propose  one  or 
both  the  candidates,  either  the  old  Wardens  or  new  ones; 
and  the  two  persons  who  have  the  majority  of  votes  or 
ballots  are  declared  duly  elected. 

Section  Fifth. 

OF  THE  GRAND  SECRETARY. 

The  office  of  Grand  Secretary  hath  become  one  of 
great  importance  in  the  Grand  Lodge.  All  the  transac¬ 
tions  of  the  Lodge  are  to  be  drawn  into  form,  and  duly 
recorded  by  him.  All  petitions,  applications,  and  appeals 
are  to  pass  through  his  hands.  No  warrant,  certificate, 
or  instrument  of  writing  from  the  Grand  Lodge,  is  au¬ 
thentic  without  his  attestation  and  signature,  and  his 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


343 


r 


affixing  the  grand  seal  as  the  laws  require.  The  general 
correspondence  with  Lodges  and  brethren  over  the  whole 
world  is  to  be  managed  by  him,  agreeably  to  the  voice 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  directions  of  the  Grand  Master 
or  his  Deputy,  whom  he  must,  therefore,  be  always  ready 
to  attend,  with  the  books  of  the  Lodge,  in  order  to  give 
all  necessary  information  concerning  the  general  state 
of  matters,  and  what  is  proper  to  be  done  upon  any 
emergency. 

For  these  reasons,  at  every  annual  election  or  appoint¬ 
ment  of  Grand  Officers,  the  nomination  or  appointment 
of  the  Grand  Secretary  has  been  considered  as  the  right 
of  the  Grand  Master,  being  properly  his  amanuensis,  and 
an  officer  as  necessary  to  him  as  his  Deputy.  But  in 
America,  Grand  Masters,  not  being  tenacious  of  pre¬ 
rogative,  have  relinquished  this  privilege,  and  the  Grand 
Secretary  is  chosen  by  nomination  and  vote  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

The  Grand  Secretary,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  is  a 
member  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  may  sit  and  vote 
accordingly. 

The  Grand  Secretary  may  have  an  assistant,  with  the 
consent  of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  but  he  will  not  be  con¬ 
sidered  as  a  member,  nor  admitted  to  vote. 

Section  Sixth. 

OF  THE  ELECTION  AND  OFFICE  OF  GRAND  TREASURER. 

The  Grand  Treasurer  is  elected  by  the  body  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Grand  Wardens ; 
he  being  considered  as  an  officer  peculiarly  responsible  to 
all  the  members  in  due  form  assembled,  as  having  the 
charge  of  their  common  stock  and  property.  To  him  is 


344 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


committed  the  care  of  all  money  raised  for  the  genera^ 
charity,  ami  other  uses  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  an  account 
of  which  he  is  regularly  to  enter  in  a  book,  with  the 
respective  uses  for  which  the  several  sums  are  intended. 
He  is  likewise  to  pay  out,  or  expend  the  same  upon  such 
orders,  signed  as  the  rules  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  this 
respect  shall  allow  to  be  valid. 

The  Grand  Treasurer,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  is  a 
member  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  shall  always  be 
present  in  the  Lodge,  and  ready  to  attend  the  Grand 
Master,  and  other  Grand  Officers,  with  his  books  for 
inspection  when  required ;  and  likewise  any  committee 
that  may  be  appointed  for  adjusting  and  examining  his 
accounts. 


Section  Seventh. 

OF  THE  GRAND  TYLER  AND  GRAND  PURSUIVANT. 

These  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  must  be  Master 
Masons,  but  none  of  them  are  members  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  The  Tyler’s  duty  is  to  attend  at  the  door,  to  see 
that  none  but  members  enter  into  the  Lodge. 

The  business  of  the  Pursuivant  is  to  stand  at  the 
inward  door  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  to  report  the 
names  and  titles  of  all  that  want  admittance,  as  given  to 
him  by  the  Tyler.  He  is  also  to  go  upon  messages,  and 
perform  other  services  known  in  the  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Deacons,  whose  duty  is  well  known  in 
the  Grand  Lodge,  as  particular  assistants  to  the  Grand 
Master  and  Senior  Warden,  in  conducting  the  business 
of  the  Lodge,  are  always  members  of  the  same,  and  may 
he  either  nominated  occasionally  on  every  Lodge  night, 
or  appointed  annually. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


345 


Section  Eighth. 

GENERAL  RULES  FOR  CONDUCTING  THE  BUSINESS  OF  THE 

GRAND  LODGE,  IN  CASE  OF  THE  ABSENCE  OF  ANY  OF  THE 

GRAND  OFFICERS. 

If  the  Grand  Master  is  absent  at  any  meeting  of  the 
Grand  .Lodge,  stated  or  occasional,  the  Deputy  is  to 
supply  his  place. 

If  the  Deputy  be  likewise  absent,  the  Senior  Grand 
Warden  takes  the  Chair,  and  in  his  absence  the  Junior 
Grand  Warden.  All  Grand  Officers,  Present  and  Past, 
take  place  of  every  Master  of  a  Lodge,  and  the  present 
Grand  Officers  take  place  of  all  Past  Grand  Officers. 
Nevertheless,  any  of  them  may  resign  their  privilege,  to 
do  honour  to  any  eminent  brother  or  Past  Master,  whom 
the  Lodge  may  be  willing  to  place  in  the  Chair  on  any 
particular  occasion. 

If  the  Grand  Officers  are  not  present  at  any  Grand 
Lodge  duly  summoned,  the  Master  of  the  Senior  Private 
Lodge  who  may  be  present,  is  to  take  the  Chair,  although 
there  may  be  Masters  of  Lodges  present  who  are  older 
Masons. 

But  to  prevent  disputes,  the  Grand  Master,  when  he 
finds  he  must  be  necessarily  absent  from  any  Grand 
Lodge,  usually  gives  a  special  commission,  under  his 
hand  and  seal  of  office,  countersigned  by  the  Grand  Sec¬ 
retary,  to  the  Senior  Grand  Warden,  or  in  his  absence  to 
the  Junior,  or  in  case  of  the  absence  of  both,  to  any 
other  Grand  Officer,  or  particular  Master  of  a  Lodge, 
Past  or  Present,  to  supply  his  place,  if  the  Deputy  Grand 
Master  be  necessarily  absent. 

But  if  there  be  no  special  commission,  the  general  rule 


346 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


of  precedence  is,  that  the  Junior  Grand  Warden  supplies 
the  place  of  the  Senior  in  his  absence ;  and  if  both  are 
absent,  the  oldest  former  Grand.  Wardens  take  place  im¬ 
mediately,  and  act  as  Grand  Wardens,  pro  tempore ,  unless 
they  resign  their  privilege. 

When  neither  the  Grand  Wardens  of  the  present,  nor 
of  any  former  year,  are  in  company,  the  Grand  Master, 
or  he  that  legally  presides  in  his  stead,  calls  forth  whom 
he  pleases,  to  act  as  Deputy  Grand  Master  and  Grand 
Wardens,  although  the  preference  is  generally  given  to 
the  Master  or  Past  Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge  present. 
The  presiding  Grand  Officer  has  the  further  privilege  of 
appointing  a  Secretary,  or  any  other  Grand  Officer,  if 
neither  the  stated  officers,  nor  the  deputies  of  such  of 
them  as  have  a  right  to  nominate  a  deputy,  be  present. 

In  case  of  the  death  of  a  Grand  Master,  the  same 
order  of  succession  and  precedency  takes  place,  as  above 
set  forth,  until  a  new  Grand  Master  is  duly  chosen  and 
installed. 

Old  Grand  Officers  may  be  again  chosen  officers  of 
private  Lodges,  and  this  does  not  deprive  them  of  any 
of  the  privileges  to  which,  as  old  Grand  Officers,  they 
are  entitled  in  the  Grand  Lodge ;  only,  an  old  Grand 
Officer,  being  the  officer  of  a  private  Lodge,  must  depute 
a  Past  Officer  of  his  particular  Lodge  to  act  for  him  in 
the  Grand  Lodge,  when  he  ascends  to  his  former  rank  in 
the  same. 

Section  Ninth. 

OF  GRAND  VISITATIONS,  COMMUNICATIONS,  ANNUAL 

FEASTS,  &C. 

The  Grand  Master,  with  his  Deputy,  the  Grand  War¬ 
dens,  and  Grand  Secretary,  shall,  if  possible,  annually 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


347 


(at  least  once)  visit  all  the  Lodges  under  his  juris¬ 
diction  ;  or,  when  this  laudable  duty  becomes  imprac¬ 
ticable,  from  the  extent  of  his  jurisdiction  and  large 
number  of  Lodges,  he  shall  as  often  as  necessary,  and  if 
possible,  annually,  appoint  visiters,  of  different  districts, 
composed  of  his  Grand  Officers,  and  such  other  assistants 
as  he  may  think  proper,  who  shall  make  faithful  report 
of  their  proceedings  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  according  to 
the  instructions  given  them. 

When  both  the  Grand  Master  and  Deputy  Grand 
Master  are  absent,  the  Senior  or  Junior  Grand  Warden 
may  preside  as  Deputy  in  visiting  Lodges,  or  in  consti¬ 
tuting  any  new  Lodge. 

The  brethren  of  all  the  regular  Lodges,  in  the  same 
general  jurisdiction  and  Grand  Communication,  shall 
meet  in  some  convenient  place  on  St.  John’s  day,  to  cele¬ 
brate  their  festival,  either  in  their  own  or  any  other  regu¬ 
lar  Lodge,  as  they  shall  judge  most  convenient.  And 
any  brethren  who  are  found  true  and  faithful  members  of 
the  Ancient  Craft  may  be  admitted.  But  only  those  who 
are  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  must  be  present  during 
the  installation  of  Grand  Officers. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Section  First. 

% 

GENERAL  REGULATIONS  OF  ANCIENT  YORK  MASONS. 

I.  The  Grand  Master,  or  Deputy,  has  full  authority 
and  right,  not  only  to  be  present,  but  also  to  preside  ir. 
every  Lodge,  with  the  Master  of  the  Lodge  on  his  left 
hand ;  and  to  order  his  Grand  Wardens  to  attend  him, 
who  are  not  to  act  as  Wardens  of  particular  Lodges,  but 


548 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


in  his  presence  and  at  his  command ;  for  the  Grand 
Master  while  in  a  particular  Lodge,  may  command  the 
Wardens  of  that  Lodge,  or  any  other  Master  Masons,  to 
act  as  his  Wardens,  pro  tempore. 

II.  The  Master  of  a  particular  Lodge  has  the  right 
and  authority  of  congregating  the  members  of  his  Lodge 
into  a  Chapter,  upon  any  emergency  or  occurrence,  as 
well  as  to  appoint  the  time  and  place  of  their  usual 
forming ;  and  in  case  of  death  or  sickness,  or  necessary 
absence  of  the  Master,  the  Senior  Warden  shall  act  as 
Master,  pro  tempore ,  if  no  brother  is  present  who  has 
been  Master  of  that  Lodge  before ;  for  the  absent  Mas¬ 
ter’s  authority  reverts  to  the  last  Master  present,  though 
he  cannot  act  till  the  Senior  Warden  congregates  the 
Lodge. 

III.  The  Master  of  each  particular  Lodge,  or  one  of 
the  Wardens,  or  some  other  brother,  by  appointment  of 
the  Master,  shall  keep  a  book,  containing  their  By-laws, 
the  names  of  their  members,  and  a  list  of  all  the  Lodges 
in  town,  with  the  usual  times  and  places  of  their  forming, 
and  also  the  transactions  of  their  own  Lodge,  that  are 
proper  to  be  written 

IV.  No  Lodge  shall  make  more  than  five  new  brothers 
at  one  and  the  same  time,  without  an  urgent  necessity ; 
nor  any  man  under  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  who 
must  also  be  his  own  master,  unless  by  a  dispensation 
from  the  Grand  Master. 

V.  No  man  can  be  accepted  a  member  of  a  particular 
Lodge  without  previous  notice  one  month  before  given  to 
the  Lodge,  in  order  to  make  due  inquiry  into  the  reputa¬ 
tion  and  capacity  of  the  candidate,  unless  by  a  dis¬ 
pensation. 

VI.  But  no  man  can  be  entered  a  brother  in  any  par- 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


349 


ticular  Lodge,  or  admitted  a  member  thereof,  without 
the  unanimous  consent  of  all  the  members  of  that  Lodge 
then  present,  when  the  candidate  is  proposed  ;  and  when 
their  consent  is  formally  asked  by  the  Master,  they  are 
to  give  their  consent  in  their  own  prudent  way,  either 
virtually  or  in  form,  but  with  unanimity ;  nor  is  this 
inherent  privilege  subject  to  a  dispensation,  because  the 
members  of  a  particular  Lodge  are  the  best  judges  of  it ; 
and  because,  if  a  turbulent  member  should  be  imposed  on 
them,  it  might  spoil  their  harmony,  or  hinder  the  freedom 
of  their  communication,  or  even  break  or  disperse  the 
Lodge,  which  ought  to  be  avoided  by  all  that  are  true 
and  faithful. 

VII.  Every  new  brother,  at  his  entry,  is  decently  to 
clothe  the  Lodge,  that  is,  all  the  brethren  present,  and 
to  deposit  something  for  the  relief  of  the  indigent  and 
decayed  brethren,  as  the  candidate  shall  see  fit  to  bestow 
over  and  above  the  small  allowance  that  may  be  stated 
in  the  By-laws  of  that  particular  Lodge,  which  charity 
shall  be  kept  by  the  cashier ;  also,  the  candidate  shall 
solemnly  promise  to  submit  to  the  Constitution,  and  other 
good  usages  that  shall  be  intimated  to  him  in  time  and 
place  convenient.  [This  article  is  generally  commuted.] 

VIII.  No  set  or  number  of  brethren  shall  withdraw 
or  separate  themselves  from  the  Lodge  in  which  they 
were  made,  or  were  afterwards  admitted  members,  unless 
the  Lodge  becomes  too  numerous ;  nor  even  then  without 
a  dispensation  from  the  Grand  Master  or  Deputy ;  and 
when  thus  separated,  they  must  either  immediately  join 
themselves  to  such  other  Lodges  that  they  shall  like  best, 
who  are  willing  to  receive  them,  or  else  obtain  the  Grand 
Master’s  Warrant  to  join  in  forming  a  new  Lodge,  to  be 
regularly  constituted  in  good  time. 

30 


350 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


If  any.  set  or  number  of  Masons  shall  take  upon  them 
selves  to  form  a  Lodge  without  the  Grand  Master’s 
Warrant,  the  regular  Lodges  are  not  to  countenance 
them,  nor  own  them  as  fair  brethren  duly  formed,  nor 
approve  of  their  acts  and  deeds ;  but  must  treat  them  as 
rebels,  until  they  humble  themselves  as  the  Grand  Master 
shall  in  his  prudence  direct,  and  until  he  approve  of 
them  by  his  Warrant  signified  to  the  other  Lodges,  as 
the  custom  is  when  a  new  Lodge  is  to  be  registered  in 
the  Grand  Lodge  book. 

IX.  But  if  any  brother  so  far  misbehave  himself  as  to 
render  his  Lodge  uneasy,  he  shall  be  thrice  duly  admo¬ 
nished  by  the  Master  and  Wardens  in  that  Lodge  formed-; 
and  if  he  will  not  refrain  his  imprudence,  nor  obediently 
submit  to  the  advice  of  his  brethren,  he  shall  be  dealt 
with  according  to  the  By-laws  of  that  particular  Lodge ; 
or  else  in  such  manner  as  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  in  their 
great  prudence  think  fit,  for  which  a  new  regulation 
may  be  afterwards  made. 

X.  The  majority  of  every  particular  Lodge,  when 
congregated,  not  else,  shall  have  privilege  of  giving 
instructions  to  their  Master  and  Wardens  before  the 
meeting  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  because  the  said  officers 
are  their  representatives,  and  supposed  to  speak  the  sen¬ 
timents  of  their  brethren  at  the  said  Grand  Lodge. 

XI.  All  particular  Lodges  are  to  observe  the  like 
usages  as  much  as  possible ;  in  order  to  which,  and  also 
for  cultivating  a  good  understanding  among  Freemasons, 
some  members  of  every  Lodge  should  be  deputed  to  visit 
other  Lodges  as  often  as  shall  be  thought  convenient. 

XII.  The  Grand  Lodge  consists  of,  and  is  formed  by, 
the  Masters  and  Wardens  of  all  the  particular  Lodges 
upon  record,  with  the  Grand  Master  at  their  head,  the 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


351 


Deputy  on  his  left  hand,  and  the  Grand  Wardens  in  their 
places. 

These  must  have  their  Quarterly  Communications,  or 
monthly  meetings  and  adjournments,  as  often  as  occasion 
requires,  in  some  convenient  place,  as  the  Grand  Master 
shall  appoint,  where  none  shall  be  present  but  its  own 
proper  members,  without  leave  asked  and  given ;  and 
while  such  a  stranger,  though  a  brother,  stays,  he  is  not 
allowed  to  vote,  nor  even  to  speak  to  any  question,  with¬ 
out  leave  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or  unless  he  is  desired  to 
give  his  opinion. 

All  matters  in  the  Grand  Lodge  are  determined  by  a 
majority  of  votes,  each  member  having  one  vote,  and  the 
Grand  Master  two  votes,  unless  the  Grand  Lodge  leave 
any  particular  thing  to  the  determination  of  the  Grand 
Master  for  the  sake  of  expedition. 

XIII.  At  the  Grand  Lodge  meetings,  all  matters  that 
concern  the  Fraternity  in  general,  or  particular  Lodges, 
or  single  brothers,  are  sedately  and  maturely  to  be  dis¬ 
coursed  of. 

1.  Apprentices  must  be  admitted  Fellow  Crafts  and 
Masters  only  here,  unless  by  a  dispensation  from  the 
Grand  Master. 

2.  Here  also  all  differences  that  cannot  be  made  up 
or  accommodated  privately,  nor  by  a  particular  Lodge, 
are  to  be  seriously  considered  and  decided ;  and  if  any 
brother  thinks  himself  aggrieved  by  the  decision,  he  may 
appeal  to  the  Grand  Lodge  next  ensuing,  and  leave  his 
appeal  in  writing  with  the  Grand  Master,  the  Deputy,  or 
Grand  Wardens. 

3.  Hither  also  all  the  officers  of  particular  Lodges 
shall  bring  a  list  of  such  members  as  have  been  made,  or 
even  admitted  by  them  since  the  last  Grand  Lodge. 


352 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


4.  There  shall  be  books  kept  by  the  Grand  Master  or 
Deputy,  or  rather  by  some  other  brother  appointed  Sec¬ 
retary  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  wherein  shall  be  recorded 
all  the  Lodges,  with  the  usual  times  and  places  of  their 
forming,  and  the  names  of  all  the  members  of  each 
Lodge ;  also,  all  the  affairs  of  the  Grand  Lodge  that  are 
proper  to  be  written. 

5.  The  Grand  Lodge  shall  consider  of  the  most  pru¬ 
dent  and  effectual  means  of  collecting  and  disposing  of 
what  money  shall  be  lodged  with  them  on  charity,  to¬ 
wards  the  relief  only  of  any  true  brother  fallen  into 
poverty  and  decay,  but  none  else. 

6.  But  each  particular  Lodge  may  dispose  of  their  own 
charity  for  poor  brothers,  according  to  their  own  By-laws, 
until  it  be  agreed  by  all  the  Lodges  in  a  new  regulation, 
to  carry  in  the  charity  collected  by  them  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  at  the  Quarterly  or  Annual  Communication,  in 
order  to  make  a  common  stock  for  the  more  handsome 
relief  of  poor  brethren. 

7.  They  shall  appoint  a  Treasurer,  a  brother  of  worldly 
substance,  who  shall  be  a  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
by  virtue  of  his  office,  and  shall  be  always  present,  and 
have  power  to  move  to  the  Grand  Lodge  anything  that 
concerns  his  office. 

8.  To  him  shall  be  committed  all  money  raised  for  the 
general  charity,  or  for  any  other  use  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
which  he  shall  write  down  in  a  book,  with  the  respective 
ends  and  uses  for  which  the  several  sums  are  intended, 
and  shall  expend  or  disburse  the  same  by  such  a  certain 
order,  signed  as  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  hereafter  agree 
to  in  a  new  regulation. 

But  by  virtue  of  his  office,  as  Treasurer,  without  any 
other  qualification,  he  shall  not  vote  in  choosing  a  new 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


353 


Grand  Master  and  Grand  Wardens,  though  in  every 
other  transaction. 

9.  In  like  manner  the  Secretary  shall  be  a  member  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  and  shall  vote 
in  everything/ except  in  choosing  Grand  Officers. 

10.  The  Treasurer  and  Secretary  may  each  have  a 
Clerk  or  Assistant,  if  they  think  fit,  who  must  be  a  bro¬ 
ther  and  a  Master  Mason,  but  must  never  be  a  member 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  nor  speak  without  being  allowed 
or  commanded. 

11 .  The  Grand  Master  or  Deputy  have  authority  always 
to  command  the  Treasurer  and  Secretary  to  attend  him, 
with  their  Clerks  and  books,  in  order  to  see  how  matters 
go  on,  and  to  know  what  is  expedient  to  be  done  upon 
an  emergency. 

12.  Another  brother  and  Master  Mason  should  be 
appointed  the  Tyler,  to  look  after  the  door ;  but  he  must 
be  no  member  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

13.  But  these  offices  may  be  further  explained  by  a 
new  regulation,  when  the  necessity  or  expediency  of  them 
may  more  appear  than  at  present  to  the  Fraternity. 

XIV.  If  at  any  Grand  Lodge,  stated  or  occasional, 
monthly  or  annual,  the  Grand  Master  and  Deputy  should 
both  be  absent,  then  the  present  Master  of  a  Lodge  that 
has  been  longest  a  Freemason,  shall  take  the  Chair  and 
preside  as  Grand  Master,  pro  tempore;  and-  shall  be 
vested  with  all  the  honour  and  power  for  the  time  being, 
provided  there  is  no  brother  present  that  has  been  Grand 
Master  or  Deputy  formerly;  for  the  last  former  Grand 
Master  or  Deputy  in  company  takes  place  of  right  in  the 
absence  of  a  Grand  Master  or  Deputy. 

XY.  In  the  Grand  Lodge  none  can  act  as  Wardens 
but  the  uresent  Grand  Wardens,  if  in  company ;  and  if 
30* 


354 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


absent,  the  Grand  Master  shall  order  private  Wardens  to 
act  as  Grand  Wardens,  pro  tempore ,  whose  places  are  to 
be  supplied  by  two  Fellow  Crafts  or  Master  Masons  of 
the  same  Lodge,  called  forth  to  act,  or  sent  thither  by 
the  Master  thereof ;  or  if  by  him  omitted,  the  Grand 
Master,  or  he  that  presides,  shall  call  them  forth  to  act, 
so  that  the  Grand  Lodge  may  be  always  complete. 

XYI.  1.  The  Grand  Wardens,  or  any  others,  are  first 
to  advise  with  the  Deputy  about  the  affairs  of  the  Lodges 
of  private  single  brothers,  and  are  not  to  apply  to  the 
Grand  Master  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Deputy, 
unless  he  refuse  his  concurrence. 

2.  In  which  case,  or  in  case  of  any  difference  of  senti¬ 
ment  between  the  Deputy  and  Grand  Wardens,  or  other 
brothers,  both  parties  are  to  go  to  the  Grand  Master  by 
consent ;  who,  by  virtue  of  his  great  authority  and 
power,  can  easily  decide  the  controversy  and  make  up 

’  the  difference. 

3.  The  Grand  Master  should  not  receive  any  private 
intimation  of  business  concerning  Masons  and  Masonry, 
but  from  his  Deputy  first,  except  in  such  cases  as  his 
Worship  can  easily  judge  of;  and  if  the  application  to 
the  Grand  Master  be  irregular,  his  Worship  can  order 
the  Grand  Wardens,  or  any  so  applying,  to  wait  upon 
the  Deputy,  who  is  speedily  to  prepare  the  business  and 
lay  it  orderly  before  his  Worship. 

XVII.  No  Grand  Master,  Grand  Warden,  Treasurer 
or  Secretary,  or  whoever  acts  for  them,  or  in  their  stead, 
pro  tempore,  can,  at  the  same  time,  act  as  the  Master  or 
Warden  of  a  particular  Lodge ;  but  as  soon  as  any  of 
them  has  discharged  his  public  office,  he  returns  to  that 
post  or  station  in  his  particular  Lodge  from  which  he  was 
called  to  officiate. 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


355 


XVIII.  1.  If  the  Deputy  be  sick,  or  necessarily  ab¬ 
sent,  the  Grand  Master  can  choose  any  brother  be  pleases 
to  act  as  his  Deputy,  pro  tempore . 

2.  But  he  that  is  chosen  Deputy  at  the  installation, 
and  also  the  Grand  Wardens,  cannot  be  discharged,  un¬ 
less  the  cause  fairly  appear  to  the  Grand  Lodge. 

3.  For  the  Grand  Master,  if  he  is  uneasy,  may  call  a 
Grand  Lodge  on  purpose  to  lay  the  cause  before  them  for 
their  advice  and  concurrence. 

And  if  the  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  cannot  recon¬ 
cile  the  Grand  Master  with  his  Deputy  or  Wardens,  they 
are  to  allow  the  Grand  Master  to  discharge  his  Deputy 
or  Wardens,  and  to  choose  another  Deputy  immediately; 
and  the  same  Grand  Lodge,  in  that  case,  shall  forthwith 
choose  other  Grand  Wardens,  so  that  harmony  and  peace 
may  be  preserved. 

XIX.  If  the  Grand  Master  should  abuse  his  great 
power,  and  render  himself  unworthy  of  the  obedience 
and  submission  of  the  Lodge,  he  shall  be  treated  in  a 
way  and  manner  to  be  agreed  upon  in  a  new  regulation, 
because  hitherto  the  ancient  Fraternity  have  had  no 
occasion  for  it. 

XX.  The  Grand  Master,  with  his  Deputy,  Grand 
Wardens,  and  Secretary,  shall,  at  least  once,  go  round 
and  visit  all  the  Lodges  about  town  during  his  mastership. 

XXL  If  the  Grand  Master  dies  during  his  mastership, 
or  by  sickness,  or  by  being  beyond  sea,  or  any  other 
way  be  rendered  incapable  of  discharging  his  office,  the 
Deputy,  or  in  his  absence  the  Senior  Grand  Warden,  or 
in  his  absence  the  Junior  Grand  Warden,  or  in  his  absence 
any  three  Masters  of  Lodges  shall  assemble  the  Grand 
Lodge  immediately,  in  order  to  advise  together  upon  the 
emergency,  and  to  send  two  of  their  number  to  invite  the 


356 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


last  Grand  Master  to  resume  his  office,  which  now  of 
course  reverts  to  him ;  and  if  he  refuses  to  act,  then  the 
next  last,  and  so  backward ;  but  if  no  former  Grand 
Master  be  found,  the  present  Deputy  shall  act  as  prin¬ 
cipal  till  a  new  Grand  Master  is  chosen ;  or  if  there  be 
no  Deputy,  then  the  oldest  Mason,  the  present  Master  of 
a  Lodge. 

XXII.  The  Grand  Lodge  must  meet  in  some  convenient 
place  on  St.  John  the  Evangelist’s  day,  in  every  year,  in 
order  to  proclaim  the  new  or  recognize  the  old  Grand 
Master,  Deputy,  and  Grand  Wardens.  When  St.  John’s 
day  happens  to  be  on  a  Sunday,  then  meetings  of  the 
Lodges  shall  be  on  the  next  Monday. 

XXIII.  If  the  present  Grand  Master  shall  consent  to 
continue  a  second  year,  then  one  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
deputed  for  that  purpose,  shall  represent  to  all  the 
brethren  his  Worship’s  good  government,  &c.,  and  turn¬ 
ing  to  him,  shall,  in  the  name  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  humbly 
request  him  to  do  the  Fraternity  the  great  honour  of  con¬ 
tinuing  to  be  their  Grand  Master  for  the  year  ensuing ; 
and  his  Worship  declaring  his  consent  thereto,  in  manner 
he  thinks  proper,  the  Grand  Secretary  shall  thrice  pro¬ 
claim  him  aloud — Grand  Master  of  Masons. 

All  the  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall  salute  him 
in  due  form,  according  to  the  ancient  and  laudable  custom 
of  Freemasons. 

XXIY.  The  present  Grand  Master  shall  nominate  his 
successor  for  the  year  ensuing ;  who,  if  unanimously  ap¬ 
proved  of  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  there  present,  he  shall 
be  proclaimed,  saluted,  and  congratulated,  the  new  Grand 
Master  as  before  hinted,  and  immediately  be  installed  by 
the  last  Grand  Master,  according  to  ancient  usage. 

Hut  if  that  nomination  is  not  unanimously  approved, 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


357 


the  new  Grand  Master  shall  be  chosen  immediately  by 
ballot ;  and  if  present,  he  shall  be  proclaimed,  saluted, 
and  congratulated,  as  before  hinted,  and  forthwith  in¬ 
stalled  by  the  last  Grand  Master,  according  to  usage. 

XXY.  1.  The  last  Grand  Master  thus  continued,  or 
the  new  Grand  Master  thus  installed,  shall  next,  as  his 
inherent  right,  nominate  and  appoint  his  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  either  the  last,  or  a  new  one,  who  shall  also  be 
proclaimed,  saluted,  and  congratulated,  in  due  form. 

2.  The  new  Grand  Master  shall  also  nominate  his  new 
Grand  Wardens ;  and,  if  unanimously  approved  by  the 
Grand  Lodge,  they  shall  also  be  forthwith  proclaimed, 
saluted,  and  congratulated,  in  due  form. 

XXYI.  If  the  brother  whom  the  present  Grand  Mas¬ 
ter  shall  nominate  for  his  successor,  or  whom  the 
Grand  Lodge  shall  choose  by  ballot,  as  above,  be  out  of 
town,  and  has  returned  his  answer  that  he  will  accept  of 
the  office  of  Grand  Master,  he  shall  be  proclaimed,  as 
before  in  regulation  XXIII.,  and  may  be  installed  by 
proxy,  which  proxy  must  be  the  present  or  former  Grand 
Master,  who  shall  act  in  his  name,  and  receive  the  usual 
honours,  homage,  and  congratulations. 

XXYII.  Every  Grand  Lodge  has  an  inherent  power 
and  authority  to  make  new  regulations,  or  to  alter  these 
for  the  real  benefit  of  the  ancient  Fraternity,  provided 
always,  that  the  old  landmarks  be  carefully  preserved, 
and  that  such  new  regulations  and  alterations  be  pro¬ 
posed  and  agreed  to  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  that  they 
be  submitted  to  the  perusal  of  all  the  brethren,  in  writing, 
whose  approbation  and  consent,  or  the  majority  thereof, 
is  absolutely  necessary  to  make  the  same  binding  and 
obligatory  ;  which  must,  therefore,  after  the  new  Grand 
Master  is  installed,  be  solemnly  desired  and  obtained 


358 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 


from  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  it  was  for  these  old  regula 
tions,  by  a  great  number  of  brethren. 

Section  Second. 

REGULATIONS  FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE 
DURING  THE  TIME  OF  PUBLIC  BUSINESS. 

XXVIII.  1.  That  no  brothers  be  admitted  into  the 
Grand  Lodge,  but  the  immediate  members  thereof,  viz : 
the  four  present  and  all  former  Grand  Officers,  the  Trea¬ 
surer  and  Secretary,  the  Masters,  Wardens,  and  Past 
Masters,  of  all  regular  Lodges,  except  a  brother  who  is 
a  petitioner,  or  a  witness  in  some  case,  or  one  called  in 
by  motion. 

2.  That  at  the  third  stroke  of  the  Grand  Master’s 
gavel,  there  shall  be  a  general  silence  ;  and  that  he  who 
breaks  silence,  without  leave  from  the  Chair,  shall  be 
publicly  reprimanded. 

3.  That  under  the  same  penalty  every  brother  shall 
keep  his  seat,  and  keep  strict  silence  whenever  the  Grand 
Master  or  Deputy  shall  think  fit  to  rise  from  the  chair, 
and  call  to  order. 

4.  That  in  the  Grand  Lodge  every  member  shall  keep 
in  his  seat,  (according  to  the  number  of  his  Lodge,)  and 
not  move  about  from  place  to  place  during  the  communi¬ 
cation,  except  the  Grand  Wardens,  as  having  more  imme¬ 
diately  the  care  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

5.  That  no  brother  is  to  speak  but  once  to  the  same 
affair,  unless  to  explain  himself,  or  when  called  upon  by 
the  Chair  to  speak. 

6.  Every  one  that  speaks  shall  rise,  and  keep  standing, 
addressing  himself  in  a  proper  manner  to  the  Chair ;  nor 
shall  any  presume  to  interrupt  him,  under  the  aforesaid 


359 


ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS. 

penalty ;  unless  the  Grand  Master  find  him  wandering 
from  the  point  in  hand,  and  shall  think  fit  to  reduce  him  tc 
order,  for  then  the  said  speaker  shall  sit  down ;  but  aftei 
he  has  been  set  right  he  may  again  proceed,  if  he  pleases. 

7.  If  in  the  Grand  Lodge  any  member  is  twice  called 
to  order  at  any  one  assembly,  for  transgressing  these  rules, 
and  is  guilty  of  a  third  offence  of  the  same  nature,  the 
Chair  shall  peremptorily  order  him  to  quit  the  Lodge 
room  for  that  night. 

8.  That  whoever  shall  be  so  rude  as  to  hiss  at  any 
brother,  or  at  what  another  says  or  has  said,  he  shall  be 
forthwith  solemnly  excluded  the  Communication,  and  de¬ 
clared  incapable  of  ever  being  a  member  of  any  Grand 
Lodge  for  the  future,  till  another  time  he  publicly  owns 
his  fault,  and  his  grace  be  granted. 

In  order  to  preserve  harmony,  it  was  thought  necessary 
to  use  counters  and  a  balloting  box  when  occasion  requires. 

My  son,  forget  not  my  law ;  but  let  thine  heart  keep 
my  commandments,  and  remove  not  the  ancient  land¬ 
mark  which  thy  fathers  have  set. — Solomon. 


THE  END. 


NQV  4  1990 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


3  903 


1163606  5 


/ 


DOES  NOT  CIRCULATE 


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